The 17th edition of the Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS) kicks off

~ YATS is organised by Tata Steel in association with Pathani Samanta Planetarium ~

Bhubaneswar: The 17th edition of Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS) was launched today by Tata Steel, in collaboration with Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Bhubaneswar. This unique platform enables Odisha’s school students to showcase their talent and interest in space science, astrophysics, and astronomy. It also helps them learn about the legacy of Pathani Samanta, the legendary Odia-astronomer.
This year, YATS will offer two modes of participation: physical and virtual. Students can either take part in the test at their schools or online through the YATS website (http://bit.ly/YATS2023). They need to register on the site to participate virtually. The test will determine the finalists who will compete in the final round of competitions at the Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Bhubaneswar, on December 13, 2023. This date coincides with the birth anniversary of the renowned Odia astronomer Mahamahopadhyaya Chandrasekhara Singha Harichandana Mahapatra Samanta, also known as Pathani Samanata.
The theme of YATS 2023 is “The Moon Base – Future Launchpad for Space”, and it will include:
An open quiz for students of classes 6 to 8, conducted physically in schools and a multiple-choice question (MCQ) assessment for students of classes 9 and 10, conducted in schools and online.
The selected participants from each district of Odisha will be invited to the grand finale in Bhubaneswar on December 13, 2023. The winners will be declared and awarded on the same day.
YATS has been inspiring young minds to explore the wonders of space science for the last 16 years. The winning students of the 16th edition of YATS had visited the Space Application Centre (SAC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Ahmedabad, in the first week of June, 2023 and had the opportunity to interact with ace space scientists of the centre including its director.