How can I become either a meteorolgist or an astronomer?

Question

how many years in college does it take? please answer. and please sugesst which YOU thin is better or more helpful to society.

Answer 1

Astronomy is generally considered a subfield of physics, although it is distinct from the related field of astrophysics. (One way of differentiating between astronomy and astrophysics is that astronomy deals with what stars do and astrophysics deals with how/why they do it.)

Although there are a number of universities which grant bachelor's degrees both in physics and in astronomy, the curricula typically overlap and a basic physics degree will prepare one for graduate school. The basic physics curriculum includes a heavy dose of mathematics as well as classes within the field of physics--classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, electronics, atomic & nuclear physics, thermodynamics, optics. A concentration in astronomy would also include an observational astronomy class, celestial mechanics, and more optics.

A Ph.D. is typically required to work in the field of astronomy, although there are some "low-level" jobs available with a master's degree. Advanced degrees in physics, including astronomy, can take anywhere from three to ten years to earn. The main reason for the variation in the time to complete a degree is because of the research required for a doctoral thesis. Getting time on a major telescope or array to collect data can be difficult and there's always the possibility of being bumped by someone with more pull. The nature of research generally can mean several months of work can be wrecked or rendered useless in a heartbeat. There are a number of excellent schools for astronomy--Arizona, Cornell, Chicago, Maryland, Iowa State, North Carolina State, New Mexico, just to name a few.

As to whether meteorology or astronomy is better for society, well, that depends on your criteria. Meteorology probably has many more direct and practical applications and impact on individuals. Space science generally has brought a number of advances in technology/convenience. Learning more about the natural world around us, specifically the lights in the night sky, however tends to inspire the poet and dreamer in folks, reminding us of the things that are greater than we ourselves.

Oh, and I can't speak to preparation for meteorology, so I won't.

******
I have a B.S. in physics with minors in mathematics and philosophy, spent a year in graduate school for physics (Ph.D-track) and studied the history of science before pursuing other things.

Answer 2

The University of Oklahoma has one of THE premiere Meteorology schools. It starts with a bachelor of science degree (4 years) and offers graduate degrees as well (although I don't know if there is a PhD program, I never asked...)

Beware--the math and science prerequisites are daunting. They require advanced calculus, a course called "atmospheric dynamics" and other mind-bending mathematical work.

On the other hand--the chasing tornadoes thing would be an awesome rush.

Don't know about astronomy, though-- look for a school in Hawaii or in New Mexico/Arizona

Answer 3

Meteorolgist is probably most helpful to society, for giving storm warnings, etc.
A search on Google brought this up for Meteorology:
http://www.ametsoc.org/pubs/careers.html

And this for Astronomy:
http://www.aas.org/education/careers.html

But you can always do the Meteorology for a career, and with the help of guides such as the one at the Sky&Telescope Magazine website (or the one on my own website if I ever get round to it)..... do the Astronomy as a Hobby (alot of Amateurs have in fact made some major discoveries):
http://skyandtelescope.com/howto/
http://skyandtelescope.com/observing/proamcollab/
http://www.john-duck.co.uk/html/astronomy.html

Answer 4

It depends on your knowledge, skills and abilities. Becoming an astronomer requires a vastly superior knowledge of MATH whereas becoming a Meteorologist requires a vastly superior knowledge of EARTH SCIENCES... it's your choice since only you know which one better suites your skills and interests.

Many Meteorologists do quite well with just a Bachelor's Degree while most serious Astronomers have a PhD.

I wish you luck either way.

Answer 5

What is it you like?

Do you like math? Do you like being outdoors (less relevant today)?

You should read about what each does, I would go into astronomy(but you'll probabbly make more money as a meteorologist). To become one or the other you should really go to university and then grad school (the beauty is that in college you can just major in physics, see which subjects you like most, get involved in research and THEN decide.. both grad schools will accept a physics bs)

Answer 6

Lots of physics, more for astronomy anyway. I don't know about meteorology, but for astronomy you have to have a Ph.d to get the best positions in astronomy. I want to major in astronomy, too. I'm hoping that somewhere in my studies, I'll be going to either University of Arizona in Tucson, or University of Hawaii. By the way, the Manoa campus of University of Hawaii is the one that offers the Ph.d programs.

I think University of Oklahoma or Florida Institute of Technology would be pretty good for meteorology.

Meteorology is probably more beneficial to society, for advancement in storm research & prediction. Good luck!

Answer 7

Astronomers are physicists. In fact, the birth of classical physics came about from Newton studying the planets and their motions. You need a degree in physics to be an Astronomer.

I think with a math and science background you can be a meterologist.

Answer 8

to bwe a meteorologist, I think 4 years of college should do- umight look@ the u. of oklahomo oops oklahoma as a good place to study meteorology. To be an astronomer, it will probably take 0 years because u weill need your PHD or doctorate degree. my advice would be checkout corneel univ, for undergrad studies - good astronomy school.

Answer 9

4-6 years in college

Answer 10

reading is the best way to be a meteorologist or an astronomer. If you want to be certificated you must study at a college. my own opinion is that astronomy and meteorology are related so you can get them both. my advice is to read as possible you can.