National examination
One day online, usually in mid-March.
Canadian Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad
A one-day online competition for students across Canada.
How to participateExplore past papers
CAAO 2027: tentatively mid-March. Read more
Organized by the Canadian Association of Amateur Astronomers (CAAA).
Find a past paper
Always available: Junior papers and Senior papers.
Team Canada at IOAA 2026
Two silver medals and one bronze in Hanoi.
How selection works
Selection camp
The top 20–25 students attend several days in person. The Team Selection Test takes place at the end.
Team Canada
TST results determine medals and team selection. Selected team members train during the summer.
Students may write CAAO for experience even if they are not eligible to represent Canada internationally. See international eligibility and selection criteria.
Discover astronomy
From the APOD archive.
Ares 3 Landing Site: The Martian Revisited
HiRISE, MRO, LPL (U. Arizona), NASA
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Partners
