About the Olympiad
OWAO is a modern and rapidly growing competition that brings together talented and passionate astronomy students from around the world. OWAO combines the best astronomical traditions with cutting-edge knowledge assessment methods, and its tasks are developed by leading experts from various countries.
In 2026, the Olympiad will be held from November 6 to 14 in the Sirius federal territory supported by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation.
Registration for the Olympiad begins on June 8 and will remain available until October 4.
The Olympiad is open to students in teams of 2 to 6 participants (age 18 or younger). Each team may be accompanied by one team leader and up to two observers. Each country may be represented by one team.
The Olympiad consists of four rounds: theoretical, practical, observational, and test ones. The working language of the Olympiad is English; however, participants may use a glossary provided by the Scientific Committee and pre-translated into their national languages by team leaders.
We invite you to review past competition assignments to assess your knowledge.
In 2026, the Olympiad will be held from November 6 to 14 in the Sirius federal territory supported by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation.
Registration for the Olympiad begins on June 8 and will remain available until October 4.
The Olympiad is open to students in teams of 2 to 6 participants (age 18 or younger). Each team may be accompanied by one team leader and up to two observers. Each country may be represented by one team.
The Olympiad consists of four rounds: theoretical, practical, observational, and test ones. The working language of the Olympiad is English; however, participants may use a glossary provided by the Scientific Committee and pre-translated into their national languages by team leaders.
We invite you to review past competition assignments to assess your knowledge.
Accommodation and meals for participants and team leaders are provided by the host side. Travel expenses are covered by the sending side. Observers' participation is separately funded through an organizational fee of 80,000 Russian rubles.
Participants can look forward not only to challenging tasks but also to a rich cultural program, including lectures, workshops, and excursions.
Recommended arrival date: November 6, 2026
Recommended departure date: November 14, 2026
Participants can look forward not only to challenging tasks but also to a rich cultural program, including lectures, workshops, and excursions.
Recommended arrival date: November 6, 2026
Recommended departure date: November 14, 2026
About the Sirius Federal Territory
The Sirius Federal Territory is located in the Imereti Lowland between the Mzymta and Psou rivers. The surrounding landscape is shaped by the Caucasus Mountains and unique natural areas, including the Caucasus State Nature Reserve and the Sochi National Park. The Sirius Educational Center was established on the initiative of Vladimir Putin, the President of the Russian Federation, as a further development of the legacy of the 2014 XXII Olympic Winter Games. Since its establishment in 2015, the Center has provided education programs year-round for the country’s most talented school students, as well as their teachers and mentors.
In December 2020, Russia adopted a federal law establishing its first federal territory. The territory’s primary objectives are to preserve and develop Olympic, natural, and cultural heritage; introduce advanced standards in education, science, culture, and sports; and scale these standards across the country. The territory is home to the Sirius Educational Center, the Presidential Lyceum, the University and its affiliated Сollege, and the Innovative Science and Technology Center. It also has a developed cultural and sports infrastructure.
Today, Sirius is an integrated environment that encompasses education, science, technology, sports, culture, and social initiatives. It helps establish national standards for the future and creates opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential.
In December 2020, Russia adopted a federal law establishing its first federal territory. The territory’s primary objectives are to preserve and develop Olympic, natural, and cultural heritage; introduce advanced standards in education, science, culture, and sports; and scale these standards across the country. The territory is home to the Sirius Educational Center, the Presidential Lyceum, the University and its affiliated Сollege, and the Innovative Science and Technology Center. It also has a developed cultural and sports infrastructure.
Today, Sirius is an integrated environment that encompasses education, science, technology, sports, culture, and social initiatives. It helps establish national standards for the future and creates opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential.
