Hi, I think I'd like to become an astronomer, I live in the UK so no American collages or anything please. Do you have to get a Ph.D? Also, is there anything I can do now, whilst in high school to increase the chance of becoming one?
Thanks for any answers.
2007-08-07 05:19:38 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Heavy on the Physics and Math courses in High School. Join an astronomy club near where you live and attend their meetings and events. As I always advise people who are interested, get a good yet basic planisphere and start learning to locate and recognize the various stars, asterisms, and constellations. Read one good astronomy magazine a month -- you can often find these at a local library. Ask the librarian if it is possible for the library to subscribe to one if they don't have any available. Look at the various books on astronomy available at the library and begin to read one -- but don't let it affect your full-time school work!
Will you need a Ph.D? Yes, in Math, Astrophysics, Physics, or one of several other fields. When you choose a college later, try to find one with an advanced program of astronomy as part of its Physics program. The school should also have its own observatory if possible.
Good luck! Keep looking up whenever you can!
2007-08-07 05:33:16 · answer #1 · answered by NJGuy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Astronomy today is a vibrant field, with new instruments bringing in floods of measurements and data. While in high school you should take all of the math and physics available, since Astronomy now is primarily astrophysics. In addition to the obvious effect of learning the material, this will give you an idea of how much you enjoy this sort of life. Astronomy is a wonderful career - a true labor of love. However, it is not easy - in fact, if you find it to be easy it means that you're not working at your capacity.
2007-08-07 05:27:11 · answer #2 · answered by Gary B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to approach math, physics, and chemistry with an open mind; they all tie in with each other, especially when studying the formation of stars & planets. Determine where your area of interest lies - radio astronomy, infrared astronomy, stellar mapping, etc - you be as specialized as you want. Visit a local college - most here in the states have an astronomy club - you can get some good exposure to what fields are out there - and talk to both the students and professors.
I remember reading most astonomers spend their time working out mathematical proofs & writing reports, so be aware of *that* part of the job.
2007-08-07 08:26:31 · answer #3 · answered by quantumclaustrophobe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you do need a Ph.D to be a professional research astronomer. There is lots of math and physics in astronomy. Sometimes astronomy is just considered a special branch of physics.
2007-08-07 06:32:51 · answer #4 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean astronaut? Becoming an astronomer is as simple as picking a college and majoring in astronomy. You don't (necessarily, although it helps) need a Ph.D. Becoming an astronaut is completely different though. There are many ways of becoming one, although the majority of those who do are engineers, chemists, and physicists.
2007-08-07 05:27:47 · answer #5 · answered by Jon G 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Take as much math and science as you can. Start doing astonomy now. You can guy a cheap telescope or digital camera and start studying the constellations, the moon, and the sun, and so on.
2007-08-07 08:24:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should ask your teacher this ime sure they could advice you good luck with this
2007-08-07 05:37:05 · answer #7 · answered by nicole 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋