Russian House in Kathmandu recognises Team Nepal for World Astronomy Olympiad
KATHMANDU: Russian House in Kathmandu hosted a talk programme on the Astronomy Olympiad in Kamalpokhari, on Wednesday. The programme recognised Team Nepal for the V Open World Astronomy Olympiad, which is scheduled to take place in Sirius, Russia, from November 6 to 14, 2026.
The team comprises Suyash Koirala, Rivas Rai, Om Raj Puri, Sneha Koirala, Dipchan Karki and Garima Basnet. Around 30 students, parents, scientists and astronomy enthusiasts attended the programme.
Ganesh Shah, President of Nepal Russia Science & Technology Society and former Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, attended the programme as chief guest. Anastasia Khokhlova, Director of the Russian House in Kathmandu, also addressed the gathering.
Suresh Bhattarai, Chairperson of the Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO), presented the journey of the National Astronomy Olympiad (NAO) programme and outlined NASO’s efforts in astronomy, science and technology in Nepal. He also highlighted 20 years of cooperation between NASO and the Russian House in Kathmandu.
An exhibition on the history and achievements of NASO and the NAO was opened alongside the programme. The exhibition featured an Exoplanet Transit Simulator developed by Prasan Shrestha, who recently participated in the MILSET Expo Sciences Europe 2026 in Italy.
According to the organisers, the simulator demonstrates how astronomers detect planets orbiting distant stars by observing small changes in starlight as a planet passes in front of its host star, producing a light curve.
Manisha Dwa delivered the welcome speech and introduced the objectives of the programme. Oshan Sharma Kattel served as master of ceremonies, while Ankita Bhattarai delivered the vote of thanks.
