The International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) was held in Hangzhou, China from November 8 to16, 2009.
“We are carried away in astrophysics, since it differs from other sciences. Olympiads on astrophysics are held in three stages: theory, practice and observation,” Hayk Stepanyan, one of the IOAA winners told a press conference on December 17.
Armenia was represented by 3 participants – Hayk Stepanyan, Hayk Harutyunyan and Hovhannes Shmavonyan. Two of the 15-year-old students took first places and returned home with gold medals.
According to a leader of the republican team, Marietta Gyulzadyan, Armenia won 6 gold medals at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics during the past several years.
“If the potential of these guys serves the state, our country will have no rival,” Marietta Gyulzadyan said.
The school students, who are also fond of literature and 3D graphics, have not yet decided on university and department to enter.
