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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

We have been absolutely blown away by the support we have received for our fundraiser to revitalise our observing equipment by this summer's solar eclipse! The Go Fund Me will close on the 31st May and then we will find out how many of our dreams are coming true! gofund.me/84ede26fe 🔭🧪

A graphic stating "it's the final countdown for equipment donations, we wished upon a star, help our dreams come true by May 31st"

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Two weeks ago we launched a Go Fund Me to update the IAYC observing equipment. We are now over 75% of the way to our goals, and individual items are also being directly funded! Every donation goes towards participants observing in the Bortle 2 skies at the IAYC 2026 🔭✨ gofund.me/2ae610112

A graphic showing different pieces of astronomical equipment and their price tags, the prices range from €41 to €1500. One item has been crossed out with the label "Directly Funded".

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Reposted by International Astronomical Youth Camp

Emily Hunt @emily.space · 23/03/2026

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 ⤵️ 🔭

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

Thank you for recommending them!! :)) Always a pleasure to hear from you 🌌 IAYC oldies mean the world

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

✨ 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

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

🔭 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

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

(2/2) During daily NAP time, fun activities are organized by the dedicated leader, for the whole camp to enjoy together :-) To read more about what camp is like, check out our website via the link: www.iayc.org/about/ Clear skies 🌌 🔭 #iTeachPhysics #EduSky #astroedu #scicomm #academicsky #sciedu

Participants holding hands up for camera

People walking away from volleyball court

Participants around picnic table chatting

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

(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

Participants laughing in circle during NAP time

Participants with their arms up during NAP

Participants around picnic table building something

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Reposted by International Astronomical Youth Camp

Mike Christie @mikechristie.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

I did two of these camps many years ago. Just donated so today’s young astronomers can have the same great experiences I did!

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

Thank you for your contribution and support Mike! 🌌

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

Thank you so much for your contributions to making the IAYC possible — we have reached 150 Donorbox donations! If you want to support the IAYC, please find our Donorbox via the link: donorbox.org/support-the-... Clear skies, and see you all soon 🌌 🔭 #EduSky #astroedu #scienceedu #iTeachPhysics

Text: Would you buy the IAYC a coffee? 30 people subscribed to 3 euros per month equals one full grant per year, on starry background with participants using red light in frame

Text: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR
150 DONORBOX DONATIONS!
YOUR SUPPORT HAS HELPED FUND...
* Equipment
* Full grants
* ...and more — thank you for your help making IAYC as amazing as always!
on starry background

Text: HOW DONORBOX WORKS
* via your Paypal account
* one-time or subscription
* cancel anytime
* you have the option to cover platform fees or not
— we don't mind which ! :)
LINK IN BIO <3

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

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

Milky Way over observation area set up on dirt road

Milky Way above mountains in Baños del Montemayor

Milky way over observation area on dirt road, participants in frame

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

(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.org

About the IAYC

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

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

(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

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 19/04/2025

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

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

(2/2) Which of the following working group topics interests you the most? 1️⃣ programming/data analysis 2️⃣️ observing 3️⃣ cultural/social astronomy 4️⃣ engineering 5️⃣ theory 📊 Show results

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

(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

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

Here are a few more nostalgic photos from IAYC 2024! Clear skies, and we look forward to seeing everyone soon 🌌 (2/2) 🔭🎢 #EduSky #astrophotography #astroedu #astronomyeducation

people’s silhouettes against a starry sky

participants working outside under the setting sun

campers laughing and playing the guitar during free time

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

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

starstaX long exposure photo leading to star trails

participants smiling and listening to explanations

participants having fun during NAP (Non-Astronomical Program)

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

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

participants smiling in working group on their computers

participants being silly in working group

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

We thank you for your patronage and for your help in making astronomy accessible for our attendees, no matter their financial background ❤️ Signing off with a sunrise photo taken by participants at IAYC 2024, we wish you clear skies 🌌

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

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)!

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

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!

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

The IAYC’s goal has always been to bring people together, no matter their financial situation. To help us keep the camp as accessible as possible for participants worldwide, we are using Donorbox to fundraise for the IAYC. You can find our page at: donorbox.org/support-the-... #EduSky #astroedu 🔭🎢

Support the IAYC using donorbox, donations go towards improving equipment, grant funding, and reducing the camp fee. Thank you for your patronage

Grant fund donations: help us make iayc more accessible for aspiring young astronomers worldwide — donate to the grand fund via : paypal, donorbox, or bank transfer

thank you for your participation in our quest to fund applicants who need support. photo from klingenthal 2024

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

Thank you for the reply, I totally agree!! Very impressive work from participants (ages 16-24), who are sometimes using a telescope for the first time ever at camp :-)

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

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

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

Check out these astro photos — all taken by participants at the 2024 International Astronomical Youth Camp in Klingenthal, Germany! They can be very proud of their work :-) 🔭🎢 #astrophotography #astroedu #EduSky

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

Tomorrow there will be a partial solar eclipse! Please remember to take safety precautions so as not to damage your eyes/observational instruments. Find more information about the eclipse and safety measures on NASA’s page at: science.nasa.gov/eclipses/fut... 🔭🎢 #astroedu #EduSky #astrophotography

Text: partial solar eclipse, march 9th 2025, photo eclipse

Text with eclipse safety precautions and image of sun from NASA

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

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 🎢

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

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! 🌌

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

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

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

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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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

What a pleasure to hear from an IAYCer! We are indeed doing our best to improve equipment year after year 🌌 :)

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

Let us know what you think about these findings for our astronomy camp, and if you have noticed similar trends within your educational environments! 🔭🧪🎢 #EduSky #WomenInSTEM

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

All of these awe-inspiring photos were taken by participants at the International Astronomical Youth Camp back in 2016! They did an amazing job :) 🔭🧪🎢 #astrophotography

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

We place great importance on inclusivity and respect, values which help to make the IAYC an excellent place to learn about astronomy! Thanks for tuning in and clear skies 🌌

Image: campers reading with flashlights under a starry sky

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

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.

Text: Gender statistics- 2025 applications
Graphic: Pie chart of gender statistics, Female 54.9%, Male 38%, Non-binary/other 7.1%

Text: Gender statistics- 2024 applications
Graphic: Pie chart of gender statistics, Female 55.1%, Male 37.4%, Non-binary/other 7.5%

Text: Gender statistics- 2023 applications
Graphic: Pie chart of gender statistics, Female 58.6%, Male 36.3%, Non-binary/other 5.1%

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

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.

Text: Nationalities represented- 2025 applications, applications from 54 countries!
Graphic: World map with shading per number of applications per country

Text: Nationalities represented- 2024 applications, applications from 46 countries!
Graphic: World map with shading per number of applications per country

Text: Nationalities represented- 2023 applications, applications from 41 countries!
Graphic: World map with shading per number of applications per country

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Applications for IAYC 2025 closed a little over a week ago, so we thought it was time for everybody’s favorite discipline — statistics!

text: Gender and nationality statistics for 2023-2025 IAYC applications, with graphic statistics image and telescope!

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

Please feel free to share the application poster within your institutions in the remaining days before the deadline! You can find the pdf on our website at: www.iayc.org/documents/ia...

Image: 59th International Astronomical Youth Camp 2025, 1st-21st August 2025 Grospsaccommodatie Klonie, Ellertshaar Netherlands, Applications open until March 9th on starry background

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

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

Text: International Astronomical Youth Camp, 1-21 August 2025, Apply by: March 9th,23:59 CEST on graphic starry background with telescope

Text: Please remember to send in your consent form and to press the final submit button, Images: Participants with telescopes

text above: We can’t wait to see you, image: IAYC group of 2024, text below: Clear skies from Klingenthal 2024!

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

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 🌌

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

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.

Text: Important update : Changes to the working groups for IAYC 2025 on graphic: Starry background

Text: Information: The WG RIZZLER has been removed as an option due to changes in the Leader Team for the 2025 camp. The other working groups remain unchanged. In italics: Reminder: Application deadline is March 9th, 23:59 CEST

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

Application deadline is in 20 days (March 9th, 23:59 CEST) — if you want to apply, then there’s no time to waste! When you’re ready, be sure to press the “submit” button on your final application (you’ll receive an email confirmation that the submission was successful). Apply here: apply.iayc.org

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Applications to the 2025 International Astronomical Youth camp are rolling in — join us this summer for hands-on experience with a scientific project, adaptable to all skill levels. Below is the IAYC 2025 poster pdf, please feel free to share it within your institution! www.iayc.org/documents/ia...

Text: where: Netherlands (De Klonie-Ellertshaar), When: first to twenty first of august (camp runs from friday evening to thursday morning), How to Apply: Find all the info about applying on our first info page! applications close march 9th, 23:59 CEST

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

Applications to the IAYC 2025 are now open! If you’re 16-24 years old and interested in astronomy, join us for an unforgettable 3 weeks of stargazing, outdoor adventures, and hands-on projects. Check out our First Info page to apply: www.iayc.org/nextcamp/. Applications close March 9, 23:59 CEST

Text IAYC 2025 on a starry background with a telescope.

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Reposted by International Astronomical Youth Camp

Nicholas Whyte 白怀珂 @nwhyte.bsky.social · 12/07/2024

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.com

Up at Noon, Out All Night: This Summer Camp Is for Serious Stargazers

For more than half a century, the International Astronomical Youth Camp has attracted aspiring astronomers from around the world.

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International Astronomical Youth Camp @iayc.bsky.social · 12/07/2024

The primary selection method is an application letter. The leaders assess the strength of the application, without any identifying information to reduce bias. Once we have ranked the letters we unblind and balance the demographics of age, genders, nationalities etc.

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