BHUBANESWAR, AUG 27
The 18th edition of the Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS), organized by Tata Steel in collaboration with Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Bhubaneswar, under the Science and Technology Department of the Odisha Government, was officially launched on Tuesday at the Odisha State Secretariat, here. The event was inaugurated by State Science & Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra.
YATS provides a unique platform for school students in Odisha, from classes 6 to 10, to showcase their talents in space science, astrophysics, and astronomy, while also learning about the legacy of Pathani Samanta, the legendary Odia astronomer.
In his speech, Minister Patra expressed his enthusiasm for the event: “I wish the 18th edition of Young Astronomer Talent Search all success. I hope that a greater number of students, particularly from the more remote areas of Odisha, will participate and learn about the significant contributions of the esteemed Odia scientist Pathani Samanta to the field of astronomy.”
The launch ceremony was attended by Prasanna Kumar Patra, Director of Pathani Samanta Planetarium; Sibani Mohanty, Additional Secretary; Urmiprava Maharana, Deputy Secretary from the Science and Technology Department; Jaydev Kar, Planetarium Engineer, Government of Odisha; and Debasish Jena, Chief Resident Executive, Tata Steel.
Debasish Jena highlighted Tata Steel’s commitment to making YATS more inclusive and accessible throughout Odisha. He noted that the company aims to expand participation through both physical and virtual modes, enhancing the program to inspire more young talent and foster a deeper interest in space science.
This year’s YATS will feature two modes of participation: physical and virtual. Students can choose to participate in person at their schools or online via the YATS website (https://www.tatasteel.com/careers/campus-connect/tata-steel-young-astronomer-talent-search/). Registration is required for virtual participation.
The theme for YATS 2024 is “Will Space Be Your Next Travel Destination?” The program will include an open quiz for students in classes 6 to 8, and a multiple-choice question (MCQ) assessment for students in classes 9 and 10. Selected participants from each district will be invited to the final competition at the Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Bhubaneswar, on December 13, 2024. This date marks the birth anniversary of the renowned Odia astronomer Mahamahopadhyaya Chandrasekhara Singha Harichandana Mahapatra Samanta, popularly known as Pathani Samanta.
For the past 17 years, YATS has been a source of inspiration for young minds exploring the wonders of space science. The winners of the 17th edition had the opportunity to visit the Space Application Centre (SAC) and interact with leading scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Ahmedabad in late June 2024.
