ESO Astronomy Camp 2016

The ESO Astronomy Camp is a week-long residential astronomy camp held at the Astronomical Observatory of the Autonomous Region of the Aosta Valley in Saint-Barthélemy (Nus), Italy. It is aimed at secondary-school students and features lectures, hands-on activities, night-time telescope observations, social activities, winter sports and excursions focused on the multiwavelength universe. The scientific programme is led by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) with support from the Observatory and other European observatories and universities. Participants are accommodated at the hostel of Saint-Barthélemy and supervised by professional staff.

Full board accommodation at the hostel, supervision by professional staff, astronomical and leisure activities, material, excursions, internal transport, transport between Milan Malpensa and the Observatory, and insurance.

The camp is open to a maximum of 56 secondary school students aged 16-18 (born in 1998, 1999 and 2000) from ESO Member States and additional ESO Science Outreach Network Countries. Some places are available to students from other countries but they will not be eligible for bursaries; priority will be given to new applicants.

Applicants complete an application form and upload a 3-minute video in English presenting their interest; video formats and a maximum size (40 MB) are specified. A jury evaluates entries on criteria including English proficiency, scientific correctness, motivation, enthusiasm, creativity, willingness to engage and diversity.