International Astronomical Youth Camp

International Astronomical Youth Camp

@iayc.bsky.social

The International Astronomical Youth Camp (IAYC) is a summer camp promoting astronomy in a unique international atmosphere, that has been bringing together participants (ages 16-24) from around the world since 1969 🌌🔭 Find out more on our website: iayc.org

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International Astronomical Youth Camp reposted

The IAYC - one of the best ways to get young people into astronomy - needs funding! I know *so* many students who speak so highly of it, check out their fundraiser below for more info ⤵️ 🔭

Dr Carys Herbert@cbaherbert.bsky.social

Headline: astronomy equipment is expensive! @iayc.bsky.social 2026 is in Spain with Bortle 2 skies and a total solar eclipse 🌚🌝 Due to the crazy increase in the cost of running camp and some poorly timed equipment failures, we are fundraising to update our equipment before the IAYC in July 🧵

✨ Applications for the 2026 International Astronomical Youth Camp are now open! ✨🚀 Join us in Spain for the 60th lAYC celebration and experience an unforgettable total solar eclipse! 🌘 Head to our First Info page via the link in our bio to apply! Clear skies 🌌 🔭🎢 #EduSky #scicomm #astroedu

🔭 Join us for the 60th International Astronomical Youth Camp 🚀 📆 Dates: 2—22 August 2026 📍 Albergue Rural Solanillos, Guadalajara, Spain 📝 Apply by: March 22, 23:59 CET Stay tuned around New Year’s for the First Info release on our new website: iayc.org Clear skies 🌌 🎢 #EduSky #astroedu #sciedu

(1/2) Here are more pics of everyday camp life from Klingenthal 2024, the majority taken during NAP! The Non-Astronomical Program (NAP) is a part of what makes the IAYC such a unique educational environment—we work hard, play hard. 🔭 #iTeachPhysics #EduSky #astroedu #scicomm #academicsky #sciedu

Our very own galaxy — here are some amazing photos of the Milky Way taken in El Solitario, Spain back in 2017! IAYC is a perfect place to learn how to observe 🌌 All images were taken by leader Javier Barrios Martí during camp 🔭 #astrophotography #astroedu #astrophotos #galactic #spacephotography

(1/2) Here’s part 1 to the 2025 leader team Q&A! We aim to nurture our participants’ passion for astronomy and learning, and provide an environment at IAYC in which the development of both academic and social skills comes naturally 🌌 🔭 #iTeachPhysics #EduSky #astroedu #scicomm #sciedu #academicsky

(2/2) IAYC is volunteer-run; the leader team ensures that participants get the most out of their camp experience! The international community and stimulating research setting promote both personal and scientific growth 🔭 Read more here: www.iayc.org/about/ #EduSky #astroedu #sciedu #iTeachPhysics

iayc.orgAbout the IAYCThe International Astronomical Youth Camp is an annual summer camp for people aged between 16-24 years old who are interested in astronomy and astrophysics.

Here’s an introduction to the leader team of the 2025 International Astronomical Youth Camp! We can’t wait to meet you all this summer in the Netherlands 🌌 Stay tuned for a leader team Q&A! 🔭 #iTeachPhysics #EduSky #astroedu #astroeducation #scicomm #science #sciedu

(1/2) IAYC offers a range of working groups, with topics in astronomy and related sciences! Participants learn new things in an open, creative environment, where they feel free to ask questions and to collaborate with peers. Let us know what you’re most excited about via the poll! 🍎🔭🎢 #astroedu

Here’s another glimpse into camp life and some astro pictures, from IAYC 2024 in Klingenthal, Germany! The astro pics were all taken by participants last summer, and they can be very proud of themselves :) (1/2) 🔭🎢 #EduSky #astrophotography #astroedu #astronomyeducation

Here are some photos of camp life/working group from IAYC 2024 in Klingenthal, Germany! The unique daily program and international atmosphere of IAYC foster a creative and distinct learning environment, in which collaboration and connection are highly encouraged! 🔭🎢 #EduSky #astroedu

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The IAYC has faced a difficult few years, but we are working hard to make camp an unforgettable experience, as it always has been. 100% of your donation will go into future IAYCs, so please sign up — starting today, you can have a direct impact on the lives of our participants (ages 16-24)!

Donorbox allows for one-off, monthly, or yearly donations all organised for you. Recurring donations allow us to plan for the future, and no amount is too small! We truly appreciate whatever you can spare. You can also see how to donate via PayPal/bank transfer on our Facebook!

The observing-focused working group isn’t the only place where you can learn how to use a telescope — the camp’s unique atmosphere fosters collaboration and connection during the entire 3-week experience. Fellow participants and leaders are more than happy to help you! :) 🔭🎢 #EduSky #astroedu

Let us know what you think about the evolution over the years of the team of educators at our astronomy camp, and what kind of content you’d be interested in seeing next! #astroedu #space #astronomyeducation 🎢

Here’s part 1 to a journey through time — photos of current and former leaders at their first camp and most recent! At IAYC, the volunteer leaders organize camp and working groups for participants, helping them with their personalized research projects based around topics in astronomy. 🔭🎢 #EduSky

Here’s part 1 to a journey through time — photos of current and former leaders at their first camp and most recent! At IAYC, the volunteer leaders organize camp and working groups for participants, helping them with their personalized research projects based around topics in astronomy. 🔭🎢 #EduSky

An important thing to note is that all leaders started out as participants before becoming part of the leader team 💫 Many things may change throughout the years (including baby faces and camera quality), but IAYC is a constant :) Hope you see you all soon and clear skies! 🌌

Big, bright, and spotty — these images were taken by participants at IAYC 2024. Due to the solar maximum, sunspots were highly visible for the duration of camp, and we were left with some lovely photos of our star (check how the sunspots move as the Sun rotates!) :) 🔭🧪🎢 #astrophotography

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When it comes to application gender statistics, we see more non-male applicants than male, which is not unique to our program. This trend is generally explained by traditional learning environments being best suited to males, thus non-males tend to seek alternative learning environments.

This year, 54 distinct countries were represented in applications, which is about a 17% increase in different nationalities from 2024, and a 32% increase from 2023! The international atmosphere of camp is one we are proud to offer, which fosters collaboration, discovery, and connection with peers.

The application deadline for the 2025 IAYC is in only a few days, so if you’re 16-24 and passionate about astronomy, get your application in now! Don’t miss out on 3 weeks of stargazing, science, and connecting with like-minded peers from all over the world. Applications close March 9th, 23:59 CEST

Important update for the 2025 International Astronomical Youth Camp – the working group RIZZLER has been removed due to changes in the 2025 Leader Team, while the other working groups remain unchanged. The website and application portal have been updated to reflect this.

If you applied prior to the change, you have the possibility to modify your WG choices – if you would like to modify your selection, please send an email to info@iayc.org with your updated WG choices. Thank you all for your understanding and clear skies 🌌

International Astronomical Youth Camp reposted

Lovely to see this write-up of the @iayc.bsky.social International Astronomical Youth Camp (IAYC). I went twice as a teenager, to Germany in 1984 and Slovenia in 1985, and had a heck of a time. Something to point out to astronomy-curious young people. www.atlasobscura.com/articles/int...

atlasobscura.comUp at Noon, Out All Night: This Summer Camp Is for Serious StargazersFor more than half a century, the International Astronomical Youth Camp has attracted aspiring astronomers from around the world.

We're on the front page of @atlasobscura! The incredible Hannah Seo has captured the magic of the IAYC, and told the story of our incredible history as a summer camp. Have a read and let us know what you think! 🔭🎢🍎 www.atlasobscura.com/articles/int...

atlasobscura.comUp at Noon, Out All Night: This Summer Camp Is for Serious StargazersFor more than half a century, the International Astronomical Youth Camp has attracted aspiring astronomers from around the world.

In addition to our own grant program, we have grants generously provided by the Wilhelm und Else Heraeus-Siftung available for German citizens or residents in Germany in financial need, all the information is on our website!

Haus der Astronomie@hausderastronomie.bsky.social

Die Wilhelm und Else Heraeus-Stiftung vergibt Stipendien für Teilnehmer*innen aus Deutschland. Bewerbungsschluss ist am 17. März (also Ende dieser Woche!) 2/2 Alle Infos und Anmeldung: iayc.org/nextcamp/

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