Astronomy

Welcome to Astronomy! In this event, teams will demonstrate an understanding of Stellar Evolution & Variability.

The information below should not be interpreted as an extension of the rules. You can find free online copies of the current rules for download on the 2023 Rules page of the Science Olympiad website. The official rules in the current Rules Manual take precedence. This event has been generously supported by NASA's Universe of Learning Astrophysics STEM Learning and Literacy Network. 

Resources & Links

• Rules Clarification (Issued 10/19/22)
• NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory Site - Webinars and more!
  • Stellar Evolution
• NASA's Universe of Learning
• Types of Variable Stars
• Pulsating Stars & H-R Diagrams
• H-R Diagrams
• Post-Main Sequence Stars
• Spectroscopy
• Swift Observatory
• Space Telescope Science Institute
• Spitzer Space Telescope
• National Radio Astronomy Observatory
• Astronomy picture of the day
• NASA JS9 Image Analysis Tools, Guides, Tutorials and Investigations
• Hubble Space Views of Variable Stars - NASA
• Exoplanet Study Lab
• MicroObservatory Robotic Telescope Network
• Amazing Space
• NASA Solar System Simulator
• Sky & Telescope Magazine
• Space Weather
• JWST
  • First Images Gallery
  • First Images Expert Panel
• PlanetQuest - Jet Propulsion Lab Resource
• Space Photography

Science Olympiad Store Materials 

• Astronomy Coaches Manual CD
• 2023 National Test Packet
• 2022 National Test Packet
• 2021 National Test Packet
• 2020 National Test Packet
• 2019 National Test Packet

PRACTICE PROBLEMS & TESTS

• New! Practice Test - 2023 Ohio State University Invitational
• New! 2022 UT Austin In-Person Invitational Astronomy Exam, Image Set, Answer Sheet and Answer Key
• New! Practice Test - 2022 Rickards Invitational
• Practice Test - 2022 National Invitational
• Practice Test - 2022 MIT Invitational
• Practice Test - 2022 SOLVI Invitational
• Practice Test - 2022 MIT Invitational
• Practice Test - 2022 Northwestern Invitational
• Practice Test - 2022 UChicago Invitational
• Practice Test - 2021 UT Austin Invitational
• Practice Test - 2021 BirdSO Invitational

EVENT SUPERVISOR RESOURCES

In addition to the resources on the Event Supervisors page, Astronomy Event Supervisors should be sure to use the following resources:

• Event Logistics Manual (Updated 12/02/22 to fix an error with regard to resources allowed for Environmental Chemistry)

CAREER CONNECTIONS 

• James Webb Telescope Workshop
• Astronomy STEM Session
• NASA - So You Want to Be an Astronaut?
• CareerOneStop - Atmospheric and Space Scientists Occupation Profile
• STEM Session on Space
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics - Space Careers: A Universe of Options