The International Astronomy Olympiad (IAO) was established by the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society in order to disseminate astronomical knowledge, promote international cooperation in astronomical education area and recognize the importance of astronomy in far-reaching field of science and human culture. The first IAO competition was held at the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences located in the north Caucasus of Russia in 1996. Since then, it has been held every year. This paper describes the present status of the IAO main regulations regarding its operation and major results by year, related institutions, and organizations. We created a scientific inquiry framework to analyze past IAO problems in the recognitive aspect in order to measure levels of the scientific knowledges and the scientific thinking abilities. Through this analysis, we can understand the current status of the IAO, and examine the future direction of Korea Astronomy Olympiad. Also, we can make preparation for the IAO competition and the education of delegates.

ABSTRACT
1. 서론
2. 국제천문올림피아트 현황
    2.1. 목적
    2.2 주요규정
    2.3 참가국 및 역대 순위
    2.4 한국천문올림피아드 창립 및 참가실적
3. 기술문항에 대한 유형 분석
    3.1. 분석 자료 및 방법
    3.2. 문항분석 결과
4. 결론 및 시사점
참고 문헌

• 임인성(한국천문연구원) | IN SUNG YIM (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute)
• 성현일(한국천문연구원) | HYUN-IL SUNG (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute)
• 김광동(한국천문연구원) | KWANG DONG KIM (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute)
• 김봉규(한국천문연구원) | BONG GYU KIM (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute)
• 김유제(한국천문올림피아드) | YOO JEA KIM (Korea Astronomy Olympiad)
• 강용희(경북대학교 사범대학 과학교육학부) | YONG HEE KANG (Department of Earth Science Education, Teachers College, Kyungpook National University)
• 최승언(서울대학교 사범대학 지구과학교육과) | SEUNG-URN CHOE (Department of Science Education, College of Education, Seoul National University)