USA Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad

USAAAO selects students for the U.S. astronomy and astrophysics team through three proctored stages. The first round is about 75 minutes with roughly 30 multiple-choice questions; qualifiers take a 2.5-hour free-response National Astronomy Competition, and the top 15 eligible scorers enter free online training and a theory-and-practical third round. Final ranking weights the NAC at 40% and the third round at 60%, with the top five selected for the international team. For 2026, registration cost $30, with a $20 group rate and need-based aid, and the first exam was February 9.