How can i commence a career in astronomy?
Query by Chris C: How can i start a job in astronomy?
Astronomy has usually been a pastime for me. Just lately I misplaced my typical career and I am interested in a job in astronomy or cosmology. Any details on how i must proceed and what form of lessons to look and feel into would be significantly appreciated
Best solution:
Answer by Shandra M
Acquiring a B.S. in astronomy would be a begin. My guess, nevertheless, is that you would need to have a Master’s or a PhD in buy to discover challenging function.
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Query by Mrs. Lopez: Is it tough do the job to develop into an Astronomy big?
I am pondering about getting to be an Astronomy main but i don’t know in what field i want to do. Any Astronomy majors right here?
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Reply by Lawrence
I am not a person, but I think you will need to have some sort of background in mathematics, as perfectly as physics.
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March 4th, 2011 at 9:22 pm
i m interested tooo
March 4th, 2011 at 10:19 pm
When you dream about becoming an astronomer, do you envision gazing at stars and discovering new civilizations or cosmic entities? While astronomers do these things, they also have many earth-bound responsibilities that are just as important.
“People coming in to the profession sometimes think that it’s all stargazing. There’s actually a lot of time at your desk, or at teaching or analyzing data,” says Horace Smith, a professor with Michigan State University’s department of physics and astronomy. Although stargazing does have its place in an astronomer’s world: “There’s so much that’s changing, and so much still unknown about what’s up in the sky,” he admits: “There’s a lot more administration and busy work than there is looking at stars.”
Astronomers collect and study data by tracking, for example, the energy given off by faint and distant stars or the cosmic movement of exotic planetary bodies like pulsars, quasars and nebulas, and try to predict how these phenomena interact. They use high-powered telescopes, instruments and computers to collect this data, and work with mathematicians and astrophysicists to analyze it for making conclusions. Astronomers are often employed by colleges and universities as professors or in college-related observatories. “There are different career paths in teaching and research,” says Smith. “[There’s] people who work for the government or in private labs doing research and development projects. Many work at planetariums. It can vary quite widely,” he says. A number of astronomers earn their income from a combination of these employment options.”
Employment Outlook:
Next 10 Years
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will only be a 2 percent increase in the need for astronomers in the next 10 years. Unemployment statistics for this career category, however, are nearly non-existent and annual earnings ratios are very high.
Total Physicists and Astronomers as of 1999 18,000
Total Needed by 2010 18,000
Number of Astronomer Positions Each Year 1,000*
*Due to growth and total replacement needs.
Necessary Skills
One seeking an astronomy career should, at the most basic level, enjoy scientific activities that require the collection and communication of data. “In many areas you will have more contact with the public than a research physicist might, because you can look up in the sky, find something, and then talk to people about it,” says Smith. The degree of people-skills necessary for an astronomer depends upon the area of astronomy he or she goes into.
Mathematics is used extensive throughout the astronomical field so math skills are essential. The ability to work within precise standards of measurement and make conclusions on verifiable data is a valuable skill for an astronomer. Since astronomy requires the use of highly advanced technology and equipment, the ability to use computers and complicated electronic equipment is very beneficial.
Helpful coursework for developing these necessary skills may include:
Physics,
Chemistry,
Math,
Computers,
Foreign Language,
English,
Communications,
Work and Study Options
Internship, job shadowing, mentorship or volunteer work at the astronomy department of a local university may be an excellent way to learn more about this career choice.
Salary Expectations
Length of Time Yearly Earnings
Starting $ 30,000
After 5 Years $ 45,000
After 10 –15 Years $ 65,000
Astronomers employed full time generally receive a full range of employee benefits including paid vacations, sick leave and holidays, in addition to life, accident, disability and health insurance. Most receive an employer-paid pension plan upon completion of length of service requirements.
Training and Education
Astronomers must earn a bachelor’s degree in astronomy or physics at a minimum. Most astronomers, however, increase their opportunities and pay level by continuing their education, usually until they have completed a Ph.D. A Ph.D. is generally required to qualify for fieldwork or to become a professor at a university. Currently, about 70 universities throughout the United States grant degrees in astronomy. Applicants to astronomy programs face fierce competition for available positions. Many vocational educational programs offer excellent curriculums to help students toward a higher education in astronomy.
“I would advise them (students) to keep a broad base, and not to try to narrow their (educational) focus too soon,” says Smith. “In high school, take physics and chemistry and other science classes, but also take English, history and other foreign languages. There is enough time for students to change their mind between high school and the time they must select a college major.”
March 4th, 2011 at 10:50 pm
There really aren’t any jobs in astronomy if you don’t have a PhD in the subject, so get ready for about 10 years of college. Start with a physics major for your bachelors degree – classes in math, astronomy, and computer science are useful/necessary as well, but physics is essential for getting into graduate school. Spend your summers doing research with a professor at your school or other universities or national labs to get some experience for grad school and an idea of what it’s like to do this for a living.
Cosmology is a subfield of astronomy, like planetary science, solar physics, or galactic astronomy. It’s not really a degree itself; go for a physics or astrophysics PhD to do cosmology.
March 4th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
you will need to study math. calculus is used to calculate astronomical distances. you will also need to study physics in order to understand the laws of physics. good luck.
March 4th, 2011 at 11:20 pm
I work in astrophysics. It’s a great field. Many people don’t appreciate what a privilege it is to think and create for a living. Also, studies show that a research job can add *years* of mental life. Staves off senility, memory loss, etc.
Generally, there are several types of astronomical topics. If you really like math and abstract stuff, you can do theoretical astrophysics. If you just like to be immersed in stuff and never get tired of seeing new things, you can be an observational or survey astronomer. You can do the work from the ground or you can work on observatories in space, depending on what your topic is.
Additionally, there are many phenomena in astrophysics to study (from the Sun to planets to novae to black holes, etc.). The choices can seem intimidating, but think of it this way: with so many options, you can definitely fine-tune your choice to something you know you’ll enjoy.
You really should go around the astronomy department and ask professors about what they do. It can be intimidating (it was for me at least), but if you’re going to be a scientist you’ll need practice in these types of discussions.
Astronomy majors should *definitely* get summer research projects! It really brings you closer to the life of an astronomer, and most of the positions pay so you’ll have a summer job. NASA, for example, has many programs – go to education.nasa.gov
Good luck!
CJ