Bulgarian students have once again demonstrated their excellence on the global stage, returning from the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Youth Olympiad in Nepal with an impressive haul of five medals.
The event, which took place from October 3 to 10 in Kathmandu, saw over 80 students from 19 countries competing in rigorous theoretical and observational rounds.
The Bulgarian team brought home one gold, three silver, and one bronze medal, marking a significant achievement for the country in the field of astronomy and astrophysics. The Olympiad, known for its challenging tasks, featured two main rounds.
In the theoretical round, participants were required to solve 12 complex problems within a four-hour time limit, testing their knowledge of various astronomical concepts.
The observational round challenged students to use a telescope and work with a paper star map to identify celestial objects and phenomena.
Svetoslav Arabov, a student at the “Dr. Petar Beron” Mathematical High School in Varna, clinched the gold medal for Bulgaria, adding to his already impressive collection of international accolades.
This victory marks his third consecutive gold in international astronomy competitions, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.
Arabov’s performance at the Olympiad also earned him second place in the overall ranking, further solidifying his status as one of the top young astronomers in the world.
Joining Arabov in the medal tally were three silver medalists from the Sofia Mathematical High School “Paisiy Hilendarski.”
Dobromir Dobrev, Maxim Bosilkov, and Tsvetelina Danova all delivered outstanding performances, showcasing Bulgaria’s strong tradition of excellence in the sciences. Their success highlights the high level of preparation and commitment that went into their participation.
Anton Stoyanov, also from the “Dr. Petar Beron” Mathematical High School in Varna, rounded out the team’s achievements with a bronze medal. His accomplishment added to Bulgaria’s growing reputation as a strong competitor in international scientific Olympiads.
The Bulgarian team was led by Eva Bozhurova from the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium in Varna, and Nikola Karavasilev, a prominent figure in the field of astronomy education.
The leaders provided invaluable guidance and support to the students, helping them navigate the complex problems and challenges posed by the competition.
Speaking after the event, team leader Bozhurova praised the students for their dedication and perseverance, noting that their achievements reflect the high quality of scientific education in Bulgaria.
“These young astronomers have worked incredibly hard to get to this point. Their success at the Olympiad is a result of their passion for astronomy and the rigorous training they have undergone.”
The International Astronomy and Astrophysics Youth Olympiad is an annual event that brings together some of the brightest young minds from around the world to test their skills and knowledge in astronomy.
This year’s edition in Kathmandu featured intense competition, with participants vying for top honors in both individual and team events.
Bulgaria’s strong showing at the Olympiad underscores the country’s commitment to nurturing talent in the sciences, and the future looks bright for its young astronomers.
With each participant bringing home a medal, Bulgaria has once again proven that it is a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.