Canadian Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad

Organized by the Canadian Association of Amateur Astronomers (CAAA).

How to ParticipateExplore Past Papers

CAAO 2027: tentatively mid-March · Online · One day

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Participate

Students may write CAAO for experience even if they do not meet the eligibility requirements for international representation. Selection to represent Canada at IOAA Junior or IOAA is a separate process and requires meeting the applicable eligibility and selection criteria.

  1. Online examination

    Students write the national examination online in one day, usually in mid-March.

  2. In-person camp

    The top 20–25 students are invited to an in-person camp with several days of training.

  3. TST at the end of camp

    Camp participants take the Team Selection Test at the end of the in-person training camp.

  4. Medals and team selection

    TST results determine medal awards and the selection of Team Canada. International eligibility is also required.

  5. Summer training

    Selected Team Canada members continue training during the summer to prepare for IOAA.

Team Canada at the 2025 International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in Mumbai
Team Canada at IOAA 2025 in Mumbai.

Representing Canada

Selected Team Canada members train during the summer to prepare for IOAA.

Team profilesResults

Discover astronomy

Explore Astronomy Picture of the Day, featuring astronomy imagery and an explanation of the science behind it.

A color enhanced close-up image of Stickney Crater on Phobos.

APOD archive image

Stickney Crater

HiRISE, MRO, LPL (U. Arizona), NASA

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Partners

McMaster University Planetarium

McMaster University Planetarium supports CAAO.

Perimeter Institute

Perimeter Institute supports CAAO.