In less than two months, Jordan Juscamaita Altamirano has won two international astronomy medals in different parts of the world. He first secured a bronze in Vietnam, and has now won a silver medal at the 5th Open World Astronomy Olympiad (OWAO 2026), held in Sirius, Russia, from November 6 to 14.
The competition brought together 70 young people from 14 countries—including India, Iran, Turkey, Qatar, Venezuela, and the host nation—who faced demanding tests related to the study of the universe.
Jordan is a fifth-year secondary student at the Saco Oliveros school, where he has cultivated his interest in science and research.
His dedication to astronomy has enabled him to earn significant international recognition and deepen his knowledge of the field, thanks to consistent, specialized preparation.
“Winning the silver medal in Russia was a reflection of many years of effort, preparation, and dedication. It also carried a great sense of responsibility, as I was representing my country,” the young student remarked.
A track record of medals
This recent silver medal follows a bronze earned in October of this year at the 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA 2026), held in Hanoi, Vietnam.
These achievements in 2026 are part of a trajectory that began to take shape internationally the previous year. In August 2025, Jordan received an honorable mention at the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in Mumbai, India. A month later, he won the gold medal at the 2025 World Open Astronomy Olympiad.
His scientific preparation was also supported by the Permanent Seminar on Astronomy and Space Sciences at the National University of San Marcos (SPACE-UNMSM)—an institution that promotes specialized training for young people interested in this field, as well as their participation in international olympiads.
“My preparation was built on three pillars: the academic training I received at Saco Oliveros, specialized training at SPACE-UNMSM, and self-study, which allowed me to conduct my own research and strengthen my knowledge,” Jordan explained.
Between science and music
Astronomy is not Jordan’s only passion. For the past five years, he has played basketball; he is also a composer, producer, and hip-hop artist, performing in both Spanish and English. Furthermore, he cares for 15 birds and two turtles—an activity that reflects his deep regard for animals and nature.
His interest in both science and music also shapes his professional aspirations. Jordan intends to study Pure Physics and Sound Engineering—two disciplines that, while seemingly distinct, are closely interconnected.
“My goal is to explore the connection between physics, technology, and sound, and to develop projects that integrate these fields,” said the young man, who also hopes to continue composing and producing music.
This curiosity even extends to space exploration. Jordan is particularly interested in the applications of acoustic engineering—specifically in testing how spacecraft withstand noise and vibrations during launch.
Bridging science and music, Jordan is beginning to forge his own path, with his sights set on a future where his knowledge and creativity can bring new projects to life.
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(END) NDP/LIT / MDV
Published: 11/14/2026