On June 29th 2021, students of the NGHS Astronomy Club participated in the Final Round of the 2021 International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC). This is an international competition that allows students from various countries to test their skills in astronomy and astrophysics by solving challenging problems. It comprises three rounds: the Qualifying Round, the Pre-Final Round, and the Final Round. Upon successfully completing the Qualifying Round, four of our students scored enough points in the Pre-Final Round by solving more difficult questions (eight structured problems and two research problems) and proceeded to represent our school internationally in the Final Round.
The Final Round consisted of a single online exam with 30 multiple choice questions, requiring participants to have a comprehensive knowledge of concepts revolving around astronomy and astrophysics. We would like to congratulate our Form 2 student, Alyssa Sonoo, and our Lower 6 students, Emily Ramgoolam, Riana Ramphal, and Sakshi Kushwaha for achieving the Bronze Honour in the Final Round of the aforementioned competition by placing in the top 20% of all participants.
Additionally, we would like to congratulate Karissa Sonoo (graduate of the Class of 2020 and the former President of the NGHS Astronomy Club) for achieving the Silver Honour by placing in the top 15% of all participants, and for achieving the National Award of Trinidad and Tobago, having attained the highest score nationwide in the final round this year in the same competition.
This competition was coordinated by Lower 6 student, Anusha Saha, International Astronomy and Astrophysics Ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago.
