what branches of mathematics are most commonly used in modern astronomy?

Question

and what would be some good prereq math classes to have before taking an entry level astronomy class?

Answer 1

In rough order that they would be taken:

Algebra, trigonometry, calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, statistics.

If you want to do cosmology, you should also do some differential geometry.

Algebra and trigonometry would be enough for an introductory class.

Answer 2

Newtonian Physics mostly. Sir Issac Newton invented/discovered calculus and published his findings in a book he wrote call the Principia Mathematica. The equations in that book are still used today to plot courses of spacecraft, either in orbit or traveling between the planets.

For astronomy, you'll want to have Calculus, and Physics. To really understand the equations that are used.

Answer 3

Well it's pretty obvious it has to do algebra, trigonometry, calculus and apparently simple 1+1.

But don't forget GEOMETRY. Astronomy deals with lots of real circles aside from those imaginary triangles.

Answer 4

Algebra, trig, calculus, and pertebation analysis are the primary ones. You can pretty much do entry level astronomy (non physics) with algebra and trig.