what do you have to do to become an astronomer?

Question

what is the best route to go (college? phd?) and what kind of things do you need to learn? is there a demand at all for astronomers? (when i say astronomers i mean working in an observatory) also what does it take to become an astronaut

Answer 1

Astronomers work at universities and colleges, national labs (like NOAO, NRAO, NSO - all have observatories), and for NASA.

Astronauts are usually former military pilots. Very few astronomers will go into space. You'd have to be a mission or instrument specialist to do that, and it's a lot more work than the pilot route.

If you want to be an astronomer, go to college and major in physics, with a double major or minor in math and astronomy. Computer science is also useful, and most astronomers need a working knowledge of at least one programming language. As a physics major, you'll take courses in modern physics, classical physics, quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics, statistical and mathmatical physics, and possibly nuclear, solid state, optics, and electronics. Undergrad astronomy courses usually consist of stellar astronomy, galactic astronomy, cosmology, observational astronomy, and astrophysics.

Then you go to grad school, either for physics or astrophysics, where you study more physics and astronomy, taking advanced versions of the courses I mentioned earlier. Also, be sure to spend your summers doing research (undergrad summers) so you can learn how to do research before you get to grad school - it will save you a few years. All in all, it's 9-10 years of school.

Astronomy isn't a large field, but certain parts have a lot of funding right now, so you can find a job if you have the right skills. Check out summer internships and job postings at http://www.aas.org . But remember, if you're in it, you're in it for the long haul - you really can't get a job in astronomy without a PhD.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Your Math and Physics need to be good.

As for astronaut - different requirements. Most come from the military. That will change in the future. Also, you need to be fit to be an astronaut, whereas you can weigh 300 lbs and be an astonomer.

Don't give up. If you don't get the qualifications to become an astronomer, just make sure you get a job eventually that gives you enough money to buy really top equipment. Many amateurs have their own observatories. You would of course have to live somewhere away from town with good skies - Colorado for instance.

Answer 3

To have any chance at all of working as an Astronomer, you need to go to College and get a PhD. Astrophysics is probably the best field. Plan on spendig about 8 to 10 years to get there.

HTH

Doug

Answer 4

In the current situation of space travel, being an air force officer gives you a great boost towards being an astronaut. This is not required, however. I have known 3 astronauts, and only one was an air force pilot.

Furthermore, you need to be smart. Really smart. You don't have to be born a genius, and your grades in school aren't of utmost importance (though they are still important), but you need to show the ability to think critically... just in case something goes wrong.

Space travel is changing, however, allowing a more civilian-like access to space. Keep an eye out for companies like Virgin Galactic and Bigelow Aerospace. Space tourism, though not likely in the next decade or two, will eventually become an industry.

Answer 5

To the Holy Rev Soleil - oh, so searching on the celebrities makes you an astronomer? i have seen a human kidney, i guess that makes me a physician. Yesh, you're proper - yet i think that we get requested because, being those who're attracted to technology and worry reading books on the issue, we may in basic terms recognize. i'm no longer an astronomer, yet i recognize the solar will burn out in 5bn years, provide or take.

Answer 6

Go to college, study lots of math

Answer 7

you should ask my friend!
[e-mail]
whom is an astronomer and always gets these 2 answers.

http://www.asktheastronomer.blogspot.com/