Is anyone here an astronomy major or professor?

Question

If so, would you mind answering a few questions? I'm supposed to do an interview and thought I'd try it out here.

1. What is the next step in space exploration?
2. How will we come up with a new means of propulsion?
3. What do you think of NASA's plans to build a moon base?
4. When do you think space tourism will become available?
5. When will humans reach Mars?
6. Do you think we will ever colonize Mars?
7. When will humans reach another star system?
8. Why have people lost interest in space travel and exploration?
9. Why do you think space travel and exploration is important?
10. Where do you see the space program in 50 years?

Thanks for your help.

Thanks jtrigoboff, you've been a great help. Would you mind telling me your name so I can use you as a resource for my project?

You could email it to me if you don't feel comfortable posting it here.

Answer 1

Hi, I'm an Astrophysics major, so I hope this helps
1. The next step in exploration is manned flights to both Mars and the Moon.
2. Ion Propulsion is one of the newer drives that is used for unmanned travel. Other means that are in development are nuclear powered vehicles, among others.
3. The plans of building a moon base are very likely, seeing that they can build a space station, it is not much harder. In some ways, it will be easier to build a base (gravity).
4. Space tourism is already in effect, to an extent. There are private companies that launch people into space for a short while. As for anything else, wait a few decades.
5. Within the next ten to twenty years. My bet is within ten.
6. Depending on if we colonize the moon at all, then probably within a few decades of our first landing on Mars.
7. We will never be able to reach another star system until our knowledge of time-space has greatly expanded. Warp drives (yes, somewhat like Star Trek) are theoretically one way to travel through space.
8. I believe that most of the hype with space in the 60's was due to the competition with the USSR. Astronomy is still a very popular science, but science in general has lost some of its interest.
9. I agree with Stephen Hawking when he states that the only way for the human race to survive is to colonize space. We live on a planet of finite resources and one that will end in a few billion years when the Sun nears the end of its life. That is to say, if we don't wipe ourselves out from war. Space travel is fundamental to preserving our way of life.
10. I see the space program having explored the entire solar system with unmanned craft. We should have permanet bases on the Moon and/or Mars. And hopefully will start to develop faster means of travel.

No problem

Answer 2

in case you've an theory of what component to astronomy you'll opt for to check out/participate in... ask what initiatives they have going, what their grad scholars are engaged on, and what roles favor filling for the college. Do they concentration on any particular component to astrophysics? What matters have grad scholars shied faraway from? Are there any parts that favor focusing on? you could opt for to understand what forms of centers they have... pc simulations, planetary fashions, get admission to to telescopes, etc.