Author: Róża Chojnacka

Szymon Jędrzejewski, 19 years old, took 1st place in jubilee 50. Polish Astronomy Olympiad. And this is a mini-interview with the winner.

Róża Chojnacka: Szymon, tell us, why are you interested in astronomy?

Szymon Jędrzejewski: I think it was started with my participation in Olympiad. Furthermore, I had been interested in physics and geography before. Astronomy is closely related to those branches.

Do you set your future with astronomy?

No. Unfortunately for astronomers, the situation isn’t very good when it comes to find a job.

It’s hard to believe that you will abandon astronomical observations. I suppose that looking in the sky in the evening is a kind of habit...

I wouldn’t say it’s a habit, but astronomy, especially observational surely will be my hobby.

What did you gain participating in Polish Astronomy Olympiad?

Possibility of learning many things, free enter to the university without exams if I went to study astronomy, some interesting prizes and maybe a possibility of taking part in International Astronomy Olympiad if Poland participates in it.

What is a stereotype of a person who occupies astronomy? I’ve heard You’ve met some professional astronomers when you were on the workshop in Piwnice...

I don't know what kind of stereotype you mean. Besides one passion, I didn’t see anything which could join astronomer or make them different from the others.

Do your friends have similar interests?

Yes, I know many people who are into astronomy and science. I’ve met them in school, Olympiad or on the astronomical workshop.

Let's come back to the Olympiad subject. Have you started any preparations for the International Astronomy Olympiad yet?

No. 31st May is the last day to send the participation request form to IAO. If Poland applies, I'll have enough time for preparation, if no, my work would have no sense. Since today, I've got no information about the submission of our representation by the Main Committee of Polish Astronomy Olympiad. But what I know, there are no formal and financial adversities for the committee (participation of Poland is founded by Ministry of Education).

What do you think about the space tourism? Which place do you want visit the most? And more pragmatic one: how and where are you going to spend your summer holiday?

I think it'll be snobbish way of having free time. The reason is easy - the main part of the price is a cost of making the travel safe and for the energy needed to pick the spacecraft on the orbit. Even with a great technological development process, this cost won't be much lower. If I had to dream, I would choose Mars or Europe – the moon of Jupiter, the most interesting objects to reach. I haven't got accurate plans about my holidays.

Please, tell a few words for people, who are hesitating about their participation in Olympiad now.

I think it's really worth to try. The best way to verify the hesitating is by taking part in the olympiad. It doesn't cost and then one can discover, whether it is something for him.

Thank you for the conversation and I wish you further successes.

Translated by Monika Rap