I'm curious because I want to be an astronomer and don't know were in the country (the USA) I would live. Anywhere but the southeast would be helpful.
2007-09-17 13:51:06 · 12 answers · asked by mjvast1014 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Hi. Anywhere. Most data is accessible by computer and most telescopes run by professionals never get looked through. The photons strike a detector.
2007-09-17 13:58:56 · answer #1 · answered by Cirric 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In earlier technological eras, astronomers lived close to the observing facilities that they used, but nowadays they can live anywhere. Most of the world's radio telescopes, for example, are operated from the NRAO administrative offices in Charlottesville VA.
Optical observing facilities (telescopes) are under similar arrangements, and the scientific observers that use them may live almost anywhere. Most astronomers are associated with major universities or government agencies, and many of the best facilities, I am sorry to have to tell you, are located in the Southeast.
We can actually be quite civilized in the Southeast. Most of us wear shoes, and we have telephones and running water in our houses. This can be the most pleasant part of the country in which to live, and I am not sure I can imagine why you mention not wanting to live here. If the problem is political or religious, please be assured that there are plenty of liberal-minded people in the Southeastern states.
By the way, you should know that most astronomers are college teachers, nowadays. Astronomy is the teaching track in celestial sciences.
The mainstream scientific research area is astrophysics. General physicists, aerospace engineers, exobiologists, chaoticians, and other mathematicians also use astronomical observing facilities.
In any case, you will be an academic, especially if you get a degree in astronomy per se, and you will go where someone has a job for you.
Nonetheless, any of these can be very rewarding, and I wish you luck.
2007-09-17 21:37:07 · answer #2 · answered by aviophage 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anywhere, most of the world's biggest telescopes are operated by remote control. Many astronomers do not even visit an observatory to work. Arizona is a popular location for astronomers because of it's mainly clear skies and warm climate. I remember reading somewhere about a community in Az that is nothing but amateur and pro Astronomers.
2007-09-17 22:43:21 · answer #3 · answered by kwilfort 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in Arecibo (at the moment) but you can live anywhere, really. Most astronomers are on the faculty at a university. They live near their university (which could be anywhere) and visit the telescopes when they are doing research.
2007-09-17 20:57:53 · answer #4 · answered by ZikZak 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Anywhere they want to
Unless they are connected with a school observatory they travel all over the world based on their projects and grant money.
But where they hang there hat when the grant money runs out is there choice.
2007-09-17 23:03:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Near a major telescope. Like the big ones in Hawaii, or near Aericibo, PR.
2007-09-17 20:54:03 · answer #6 · answered by Steve C 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Somewhere that is usually always sunny like Arizona or Texas.
2007-09-17 21:59:15 · answer #7 · answered by zahava60@sbcglobal.net 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some of toadys best ground based astronmical telescopes are in hawiaii
2007-09-17 20:54:17 · answer #8 · answered by darkpheonix262 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
florida. lots of nasa activities there. also it is close to the equater so you can view phenomenon like eclipses
2007-09-17 20:54:55 · answer #9 · answered by Jeremy B 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they probably have a dome in NASA that you can live in. well thats after when you attend for a job in NASA
2007-09-17 20:56:35 · answer #10 · answered by ♣♥♠♦ 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋