On a scale from 1-10, how hard is it to get to this point? How much is the pay? What is some advice you have to offer? Any thing helpful is greatly appreciated.
2007-10-17 06:15:49 · 5 answers · asked by UVRay 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
By the way, I want to do Astonomy because I love it, not because of the money. I am just curious to know how much Astronomers get paid. Geez.
2007-10-17 06:37:10 · update #1
About 28 years to become a professional astronomer. About 14 years into the process, one should be showing proficiency in math and physical sciences.
2007-10-17 12:13:06 · answer #1 · answered by Eratosthenes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be a professional astronomer you need a PhD, which is about 7 years of college. And your main job will be teaching. Almost all professional astronomers are college professors.
But anybody can be an amateur astronomer. Just go out and look at the sky for starters. Get a star atlas or map of the sky and learn the constellations. Subscribe to a magazine like Astronomy or Sky and Telescope. Read books. Buy a telescope and use it.
2007-10-17 06:22:18 · answer #2 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
On a scale I'm am sure that it would be around a ten. The reason I say this is because the mathematics is intense, the equipment is complicated and the field itself is expensive. Understand that scientists are paid through Gov. or business funding so job security might be a problem at times. I think that you best bet would be to get a job with NASA. A dream job if you love outer space and the objects that inhabit it!
Good luck!
2007-10-17 06:24:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There really aren't any jobs in astronomy if you don't have a PhD in astronomy, physics, or astrophysics. That takes about 10 years of college - 4 years of undergrad (physics major), 2 years for a masters degree, and 4 years to finish the PhD. Then usually 2-6 years of postdoctoral work before you get your first real job as a professional astronomer.
Astronomers make $60,000 to $120,000 depending on where they work and their experience. It's not a high paying job, especially considering how long you spend in school to get there. We do it because we love it, not for the money.
If you do decide to go for it, I definitely recommend getting involved in research early - spend your undergraduate summers in Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs to get a head start on what you'll need for grad school, and maybe even a publication or two. Good luck!
2007-10-17 06:25:35 · answer #4 · answered by eri 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
i don't know, but i am going to fetch answers from your question. thank you for asking the question.
2007-10-17 06:21:14 · answer #5 · answered by SIMONE 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋