2007-03-10 15:30:16 · 13 answers · asked by *sumASTRONAUT* 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Um, you need math for both.
Maybe get a tutor, math CAN be learned even if it is hard for you.
2007-03-10 15:34:36 · answer #1 · answered by Loulabelle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Astronomy and Astrophysics both use a good deal of math, but if you have a passion for it, don't let the math scare you off.
Just like there are different types of apples, there are different types of math. Your claim, that you are bad at math, is like a person saying they hate apples, when indeed they only hate one type of apple, like red delicious apples. Maybe this person would love gala apples, but thinking all apples taste like red delicious, will never actually try a gala apple.
Arithmatic, the math most people are familiar with, plays very little part in the sciences...sure, it's there, but most of it's done on calculators anyway.
Far more often, algebra is used. You can do algebra without using any numbers at all. Calculus and differential equations is also used, which typically involves few numbers as well. In fact, the higher you go in math, the fewer numbers you see.
When you are learning this math, you may struggle with it, but it doesn't really get any more difficult for you. You may have more difficulty with some subjects than others in math though. You may be surprised to know that many people who were math whizzes in elementary school and were very good at arithmatic, may have difficulty with subjects like solving differental equations.
Also, as you learn more about conceptual things in physics and astronomy, the math will start to become a tool rather than a burden, and your focus will shift from doing seemingly pointless math, to finding an answer to your question which has real world sense to it.
So don't let weak math skills scare you. Just be open to learning new things and ask for help when you need it.
2007-03-10 16:03:00 · answer #2 · answered by minuteblue 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are both very heavy on math. Astrophysics is more physics based, and therefore requires you to work with math extensively. Astronomy is also physics based, but can also include things like planetary astronomy, which involves chemistry and geology as well. If you don't like math, the best thing for you is to study the planets. You will still need math, though!
2007-03-10 15:58:24 · answer #3 · answered by Enceladus 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Neither, I'm afraid. You really can't do anything in astronomy without a Ph.D, and to get one, you basically have to get a physics Ph.D with astronomy added on. And a physics Ph.D is almost all math - you'll need to take at least three semesters of calculus and differential equations, plus two semesters of mathmatical physics as an undergrad, and it just get worse from there in grad school. If you really don't think you can do the math, don't bother - find another field. Don't find out three years in that you can't finish the degree.
2007-03-10 16:00:51 · answer #4 · answered by eri 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not very good in math? Neither Astronomy nor Astrophysics will be a good field to think about until you improve in math quite a bit.
2007-03-10 15:34:37 · answer #5 · answered by NJGuy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What level math are you in right now?
There are several good math programs that may be able to help you out - like math911 (http://www.download.com/Math911/).
Don't be discouraged by the challenge! With a bit of work, one day you may wake up and really "get it" and you will wonder how something so simple could have been so confusing. Perhaps, you just need to have it explained to you in terms that are meaningful to you! A GOOD teacher will find out what those terms are and will exploit that. Find a good tutor. Remember, Einstein was considered to be a moron when he went to school!
2007-03-10 17:11:22 · answer #6 · answered by Scarp 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think astronomy would be it.
I know a bit of math but it is hard for me.
I've delved into astronomy all my life and I don't think my low aptitude for math was much of a hindrance.
2007-03-11 03:13:46 · answer #7 · answered by Billy Butthead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most if not all fields of study in any science require an understanding of math. Einstein considered himself not very good at math. It depends on what you mean by not good at math and it also depends on what branch of math is causing you problem.
2007-03-10 15:48:16 · answer #8 · answered by anonimous 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For me,
ASTRONOMY is good...
But astronomy is also for a math lover, because without it, we do not know how many light years a planet is from the sun..
UNDERSTAND?!
2007-03-10 16:12:06 · answer #9 · answered by richard 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
astronomy...yes there is somehard math in it but get a good partner and you should pass...its really fun to learn and you get to look through really powerful telescopes
2007-03-10 15:35:21 · answer #10 · answered by miranda 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋