YATS 19th edition launched with theme “Stargazer Today, Gagannaut Tomorrow.

Bhubaneswar, Aug 21 (UNI) Odisha Science & Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, today launched the 19th edition of the Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS), with the theme “Stargazer Today, Gagannaut Tomorrow.”

Organised by Tata Steel in collaboration with Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Bhubaneswar, under the Science & Technology Department, YATS provides a unique platform for students of classes 6 to 10 across Odisha to showcase their interest and aptitude in space science, astrophysics and astronomy, while celebrating the legacy of legendary Odia astronomer Pathani Samanta.

Patra said, competitions will be held at the school and district levels, and winners will be invited to Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Bhubaneswar on December 13 for the Grand Finale.
Thirty winners from across the state will have the extraordinary opportunity to visit the Indian Space Research Organisation facility in Bengaluru and interact with the scientists.”

The students can participate in YATS either at their schools or online via the YATS website by registering on the portal.

The 2025 edition will have the theme “Stargazer Today, Gagannaut Tomorrow” in alignment with India’s cherished Gaganyaan project that would showcase the human spaceflight capability of the country.

It will feature an open quiz for students of classes 6–8, and a multiple-choice question (MCQ) test
for students of classes 9–10.
District-level winners will be invited to the grand finale at Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Bhubaneswar, on December 13, 2025, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Mahamahopadhyaya Chandrasekhara Singha Harichandana Mahapatra Samanta, fondly known as Pathani Samanta.

For 18 years, YATS has been igniting curiosity among Odisha’s school children about the mysteries of the universe.
Winners of the 18th edition visited Indian Space Research Organisation’s Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) and the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru in May 2025.

Since inception, YATS has reached more than 4.71 lakh students across Odisha and 230 selected winners have had the unique opportunity to witness India’s stride in space research by visiting various ISRO centres.