Ubon Ratchathani University invites the public to join the vigil.HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn DepartmentOn the occasion of His Majesty the King presiding over the opening ceremony of the 5th International Junior High School Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad; orIOAA-Jr 2026On Monday,2 November 2026 at the 7th Anniversary Building, Ubon Ratchathani UniversityAccording to the university's public announcement
This tournament Thailand is honored to host. It is scheduled to take place between1-8 November 2026, Ubon Ratchathani Provincewhile welcoming junior high school youth from 25 countries around the world to show their talents inAstronomicandAstrophysicsas well as sharing knowledge and building international friendships. The university confirmed the schedule for His Majesty the King to open the competition on November 2, 2026.
The Foundation for the Promotion of Academic Olympics and the Development of Science Education Standards under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra or Soran Foundation. in collaboration with Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani Province and network agencies to organize a competition to honor Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the occasion of his 72nd birthday on April 2, 2027, while promoting the development of youth potential in science.
IOAA-Jr is an annual competition for junior high school students under the age of 16. This event in Ubon Ratchathani is organized in cooperation with the Sor Soror Foundation. Ubon Ratchathani Province, Ubon Ratchathani University and the National Astronomical Research Institute (Public Organization) or Narit.
The competition consists of theoretical and observational tests to measure the understanding and application of astronomical knowledge by NARIT, supporting telescopes, equipment and experts, as well as preparing alternate planetarium systems if weather conditions are inclement.
According to the schedule of activities on the official website, November 1 is the date of arrival and registration, November 2 is the opening ceremony of the competition, then the theoretical examination is scheduled for November 4, the day observation examination for November 5, and the night sky observation examination for November 6 before the closing ceremony on November 8, 2026. The schedule may be adjusted as appropriate.
In addition to academic activities, organizers also prepare exhibitions celebrating science and technology, along with activities to learn about Thai-Isan identity, such as visiting Pha Taem National Park, seeing prehistoric paintings, learning to make candles, and experiencing local food culture, so that foreign youth can get to know Ubon Ratchathani province through both knowledge and cultural trajectory.
Ubon Ratchathani University therefore invites the public to join the vigil on that date and place and follow the details of the time of entry to the vigil point and the guidelines from the announcement of the university. Those interested in competition information can follow atIOAA-Jr website 2026