The 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA 2026) closed in Hanoi on October 4 after nearly 10 days of competition, with 51 gold medals awarded.
Vietnam sent two teams of 10 students selected from high schools across the country. It was also the first time Vietnam had hosted the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics.
According to organisers, 309 contestants took part in theoretical, team and telescope-observation tests, as well as data analysis and planetarium-based competitions.
The events tested specialist knowledge, independent and creative thinking, practical skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
In the individual competitions, 51 contestants won gold medals, 48 received silver, 60 won bronze and 22 received honourable mentions.
The IOAA was first held in 2007 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Vietnam began participating in 2016 and has won medals at every edition since.
IOAA 2026 was the first edition hosted by Vietnam, with delegations from 66 countries and territories taking part.