IOAAjr2025

Next year in Thailand !

Throughout the week of the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors, participants were accompanied by “Astrophile”— the daily news letter.

Each issue included photos, stories from the previous day, fun facts about Romania and astronomy, and impressions from participants. It brought together the most beautiful moments of the Olympiad, day by day, in a friendly and creative way.

Shared with everyone — participants and team leaders — throughout the week, Astrophile became a special memory of this event, full of curiosity, joy, and teamwork.

our team:
Iris Petra Lăcătușu
Angelo Cozma
Silvia Andrei
Sara Cojocariu
Eliana Roman
Mara Adriana Dabija
Elena Spiridon

The Closing Ceremony of the International Olympiad on Astronomy
and Astrophysics for Juniors – Piatra Neamț, 2025

A week filled with unforgettable memories, laughter, and new friendships has come to an end, and
there could have been no better conclusion than the grand closing ceremony that brought together
all the magic of this event. Guided by our warm and graceful hosts, Iustina Iordăchescu and Luca James Gal, who presented and translated every speech and moment on stage to ensure everyone
could understand and enjoy, the evening unfolded in a calm, elegant atmosphere that reflected the
spirit of unity and joy shared throughout the Olympiad.

Held at the Teatrul Tineretului in Piatra Neamț, the ceremony gathered a full audience — teachers,
team leaders, students, volunteers, and guests — all ready to celebrate the remarkable young
astronomers who had made this week so special. As we prepared to close the fourth chapter of the
International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors, the first presentation of the evening invited us to relive the highlights of the past seven days through a touching montage of the
most inspiring, triumphant, and amusing moments.
Afterward, a series of official addresses followed. Words of gratitude were extended to Mrs. Ana
Elisabeta Naghi, Inspector for the Ministry of Education and Research, Department of
Mathematics and Astronomy, and Prof. Aniketh Sule, President of the Olympiad’s Central Commission. The audience also applauded Prof. Ionuț-Liviu Ciocoiu, Inspector-General of the Neamț County School Inspectorate, whose support made the event possible, as well as Mr. Cristian Pârghie, President of the Scientific Committee, and Mr. Grigoruță Dan Oniciuc, Vice President of the Olympiad’s Central Commission and headmaster of Petru Rareș National
College.
Mr. Oniciuc’s heartfelt speech praised the tireless work and dedication of the volunteers, as well
as the involvement of his students — his “children” from CNPR — whose efforts helped make this
Olympiad a true success.
The evening continued with a graceful artistic interlude: “Por una cabeza” by Carlos Gardel,
performed by Tudor Poiana from the Victor Brauner College of Arts, under the guidance of professor Irina Horghidan. Later, the “Rays Dance” troupe enchanted the audience with three elegant dance performances that were met with enthusiastic applause.
Then came one of the most anticipated moments — the awarding ceremonies. Mr. Grigoruță Dan Oniciuc and Mrs. Ionela Claudia Jora, headmaster and deputy headmistress of Petru Rareș National College, presented the awards to the team leaders. The professionalism of the theory and practical test evaluators was also acknowledged, as their dedication ensured the smooth progress of the entire competition. A new series of photo montages reminded everyone of the beautiful journey shared in Piatra Neamț.
Next, Professors Mariana Frenți and Cristinel Secară took the stage to announce the winners of the Group Competition, followed by Prof. Cezarina Moroșanu, who presented the Honourable Mentions. The tension in the hall grew as everyone awaited the main prizes — the bronze, silver and gold medals — with hearts pounding and smiles all around.

The Bronze Medals were awarded by Mr. Cristian Pârghie and Mrs. Ionela Claudia Jora, followed
by a touching operatic moment — Habanera by Georges Bizet, performed by students Paula
Scurtu, Sabina Mihaela Melinte, Andra Giorgiana Gogan, and Smaranda Ana Hogea, coordinated by their professors from the Victor Brauner College of Arts. The performance was deeply emotional and warmly received.

Then, Mrs. Ana Elisabeta Naghi and Mr. Grigoruță Dan Oniciuc presented the Silver Medals,
followed by an instrumental performance of Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla, played by the school orchestra under the direction of Professor Maricel Andrei.

Finally, the Gold Medals were awarded by Prof. Aniketh Sule and Prof. Liviu-Ionuț Ciocoiu, marking the most awaited moment of the evening.

As the tension reached its peak, Theodor Rusu-Feraru, a talented student from Petru Rareș
National College, proudly presented the magnificent trophies he had crafted himself. Applause filled the hall as the Grand Prizes were revealed: Best at the Observation Test, Best at the Blind Map Test, Best at the Theory Test and Best of the Contest.

The audience then learned that the next edition of the Olympiad will take place in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, from 1st to 9th November 2026. Professors Aniketh Sule and Grigoruță Dan Oniciuc officially passed the Olympiad flag to the representatives of Thailand — a symbol of unity, respect, and dedication within the international community.
Before closing, the volunteers and coordinators were warmly thanked and celebrated for their incredible work throughout the week. All volunteers were sincerely congratulated for their devotion, but the coordinating volunteers were also honoured and awarded for their outstanding commitment. Their efforts made every detail of the event shine, creating an unforgettable experience filled with joy, pride, and emotion.
Finally, Iustina Iordăchescu closed the evening with heartfelt words: “Per aspera ad astra – through hardship, to the stars.” She reminded everyone that these words are not merely a motto, but a message to carry forward —to let ourselves be guided by perseverance and hope, and to remember that every challenge brings us closer to the stars. We hope that every participant will leave Piatra Neamț with a heart full of memories, new friendships, and these words echoing in their minds.

❤️💫