Eloísa Rocha, an 18-year-old student from Pará, has been selected to participate in the 2026 Astronomy and Astrophysics Selection Tournament after excelling in online exams.
Eloísa Rocha, an 18-year-old from Carajás in Pará, Brazil, has gained recognition for her impressive performance in the Brazilian Astronomy and Astronautics Olympiad (OBA), leading to her selection for the elite Astronomy and Astrophysics Selection Tournament (TSA) 2026. The tournament will take place from March 9 to 12 in Barra do Piraí, Rio de Janeiro, where it will gather talented students aiming for international competition representation.
The TSA serves as a critical selection phase designed to prepare Brazil's future representatives in astronomy. After qualifying through strong online exam performances, candidates like Eloísa will face rigorous evaluations, including a theoretical exam, a celestial map test, and practical assessments in a planetarium setting. Only the top 45 students will be chosen for further advanced training aimed at future international contests.
This achievement not only highlights Eloísa's individual capabilities but also reflects the broader efforts in Brazil to cultivate talent in science and prestigious competitions. Success in the TSA is pivotal for these young astronomers as they aspire to participate in the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA), bringing national pride and recognition to their skills in the global arena.
