Ecco Alcuni Dei Giovani Vincitori Dei Campionati Italiani Di Astronomia

In the heart of Cortina d'Ampezzo, on a fine Thursday evening, the Alexander Girardi Hall was buzzing with excitement. Why, you ask? Well, the Italian Astronomy Championships were about to kick off. This year, the competition was nothing short of a cosmic spectacle, with more than 90 students hailing from over 60 schools across Italy. Divided into four categories - Junior 1, Junior 2, Senior, and Master - these young talents were ready to shine. Thirty-six of them would ascend the stage to receive well-deserved medals, while five lucky souls would earn the privilege to represent Italy at the International Astronomy Olympiads.

As I made my way from Udine to the Niccolò Copernico High School in Ragusa and then to the Enrico Fermi High School in Bari, I couldn't help but marvel at the diversity and passion of these young astronomers. These students had been selected from a pool of nearly 10,000 participants in the preliminary rounds of the competition, a testament to their dedication and love for the cosmos.

Passion Beyond Boundaries

We were curious about what had driven these budding astronomers to participate in such an arduous competition. After all, it required days of preparation and studying topics that extended far beyond the regular school curriculum. The answers we received were as diverse as the stars themselves.

One student shared, "I saw a circular on the notice board in my school's electronic register. My sister said, 'Give it a try,' and I thought, 'Why not?' With ample free time on my hands, I delved into the world of astronomy."

Another student had a more profound journey. "I've been participating in Astronomy Olympiads since the 3rd grade, and now I'm in my senior year. This is my fifth time participating, and I was fortunate to be a part of the Italian team at the International Olympiads in 2021. I hope to repeat that success this year."

These stories reflect a common theme - a deep-seated passion for astronomy and a willingness to go the extra mile to explore the wonders of the universe. It's inspiring to witness such dedication in the younger generation.

Wisdom from the Cosmic Veterans

We had the privilege of speaking to one student who had participated in multiple Astronomy Olympiads. "You're quite the veteran of these astronomy competitions. What advice would you give to future Junior 1 and 2 contestants for making it to the finals?" we asked.

The response was a testament to the simplicity of success: "In truth, there are no secrets. Passion is the key. You must be passionate about what you do. To reach higher levels, you need to study and prepare diligently. I believe that the help of our teachers and exercises from previous years played a significant role in my journey."

This wisdom transcends the realm of astronomy and is a universal truth: passion and dedication are the cornerstones of success.

Meet the Mascots - Corti and Carol

As the competition progressed, we couldn't help but notice the presence of two delightful mascots, Corti and Carol. They had captured the hearts of both participants and spectators. But who were they, and why were they the chosen mascots?

Corti, the charming red squirrel, represented Cortina, while Carol, the playful kitten, had been the beloved mascot of the Olympiads. These mascots were not just symbols; they were a reflection of the jovial spirit and shared camaraderie that defined the event. They added an element of fun and unity to the scientific pursuit of astronomy.

The days spent in Cortina d'Ampezzo were indeed a cosmic delight. The event brought together bright young minds with a profound interest in scientific subjects, be it astrophysics, physics, or any other discipline. Their passion and enthusiasm were contagious, and it was a pleasure to witness the future of science shining so brightly.

We extend our gratitude to the organizers, the Astronomical Observatory of Cortina, the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), and the Municipality of Cortina d'Ampezzo for making this astronomical celebration possible.

[Musical note] The stars aligned, the students shone, and the universe shared its secrets. This, my friends, was more than an event; it was a cosmic celebration of knowledge and passion, and it left us all starry-eyed and inspired.

So, the next time you gaze up at the night sky, remember the young astronomers of Cortina d'Ampezzo, who remind us that with passion, dedication, and a little cosmic camaraderie, we can reach for the stars.