Panama hosts the Latin American Olympiad for Astronomy and Astronautics

Organized by the National Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (Senacyt), the National Space Science Center of Panama (Cenacep) and the host institution, the event is restarting in person two years after it was actually held by Covid-19.

This type of event combines to advance scientific knowledge and identify the most outstanding young talents in an environment of collaboration, equality, ethics and self-improvement.

According to the organizing committee, participants from different countries will undergo theoretical and practical knowledge tests individually and in teams.

They will also carry out practical observational procedures that include locating the stars in a planetarium or in the open sky and a rocket test that consists of making artifacts made of recyclable materials propelled by water and air.

Senacyt’s statement notes that OLAA was incorporated in Montevideo, Uruguay in 2008; A year later, her first release was released in Brazil.

Since 2009, this type of forum has been held annually in different countries of Latin America, bringing together students selected for their national competitions.

At OLAA, Panama participated as a country for the first time in 2017.

For Dr. Maria Heller, of Senatist, in this 14th edition begins an unforgettable week of scientific and cultural exchange in the lives of these students.

As OLAA Panama 2022 President and CEO of Cenacep Madeleine Rojas noted, the Olympiad seeks to encourage young people to study astronomy, astronautics and related sciences, in addition to promoting the spirit of peaceful coexistence.

The meeting will also work to strengthen friendship and knowledge exchanges related to space sciences among participants from Latin America.

rgh / ga