The II-nd International Astronomy Olympiad was organized at the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SAO RAS) on October 21-28, 1997. According to the Statutes of the Olympiad the competitors were divided in two age groups: grades 8-10 (15-16 years old) and grades 11-12 (17-18 years old). Official languages of the Olympiad - English and Russian. Problems were be prepared by the Organizing Committee in these two languages and the leaders are responsible to translate tasks to native languges of participants. Character of the problems to solve were analogous to ones of the Olympiad 1996.

Tuesday October 21

Indian and Armenian delegations arrive

Excursion to 6-m BTA telescope for Indian delegation

Wednesday October 22

Moscow and Russian delegations arrive

Excursion to 6-m BTA telescope

Thursday October 23

Coordinational Council conference

Lecture about history of SAO

Excursion to historical places near Observatory

Opening ceremony

Friday October 24

Theoretical exam

Friday/Saturday October 24/25 (evening-night)

Observational exam

Saturday October 25

Practical exam

Excursion to Arkhyz and mountains

Sunday October 26

Excursion to radio telescope RATAN-600

Jury conference

Leaders meeting

Monday October 27

Lectures

Excursions

Closing Ceremony, Concert

Final dinner

Tuesday October 28

Delegations depart