How do you know so much about Astronomy?

Question

Just hanging out in the section for awhile?
Degree in cosmology?
What?

Answer 1

I'm a genius. Get over it.

Answer 2

Like others here, I started reading science fiction as a kid, then discovered astronomy when I was 16. I tried to get a degree in astronomy, but couldn't handle the mathematics, so I stayed an amateur astronomer. I learned by reading, using my telescope, and belonging to an astronomy club.

The best thing about being an amateur astronomer is that I don't have to know _everything_ about astronomy, just the things I'm interested in. That includes telescopes and other hardware, and observing. I know a smattering of theory, but I'm not much interested in the "big issues" like cosmology and astrophysics. Mostly I like looking at pretty things in the sky, and recording at laest some of my observations in ways that are scientifically useful.

I really like sharing my love of astronomy, and do this through presentations at schools and community organizations, and by participating in online forums, such as this one.

Answer 3

can you get a degree in Cosmology? sounds pretty cool.

i studied astronomy and astrophysics for a long time, even some of it sunk in. worked for a bit at an observatory, even took a class there. been building my own scopes since a toddler, yet i still have my first scope from JCPenney's 40 years ago.

read read read... when someone asks .. "What about Carbon Stars?" you google it and read. Maybe learn something, maybe you can explain something someone else can only cut and paste.

Me, I like to use da metafors. Sometimes it helps. I tutored ppl from high school thru college, so i know it works (sometimes)... (oddly, one of the guys i was tutoring in High School while I was there was voted Most Intelligent In School... Hey! I wanna recount!)

Answer 4

Alot of studying all my life and also learning from others and also passing what I know on to others. I have astronomy magazines and discover magazines as well as scientific american and I am signed up with the newsletters from the JPL,, nasa,hubble,cassinni,universe today ,, spaceweather,com,,ESA, Chandra, Spitzer, new horizons, sky and telescope,, Live science and a few others,, But i read and study so much that most people may consider it boring but in my eyes its learing about something that is always changing and new discoverys being made every day, You might say its my lifes passion, If you want to see what I blog about then come to my profile page and check out my yahoo 360 link,,

Answer 5

I have been fascinated with astronomy since I was a small child. I have always read everything I could on this topic. I continue to have more questions than every about astronomical topics. One of my favorite sources of information over the years has been Scientific American, and a wonderful newer source of information is the NASA website, Astronomy Picture of the Day. I also read astronomy and telescope magazines.

Answer 6

I took a class in college, joined an astronomy club, did a lot of public outreach, worked with a professor doing research and helping tutor students, and spent a lot of personal time becoming familiar with various aspects of astronomy.....all over the last six...well almost seven years. And it still excites me when I get out and observe.

Answer 7

Degrees in Astronomy and Physics.

Answer 8

I have a BA in astrophysics, a MSc in physics, and I'm working on a PhD in physics with a concentration on high energy astrophysics. But most of the questions here could be answered after joining a local astronomy club.

Answer 9

I love it so I tend to pick up books about it and I paid attention last year in 6th grade. There was a book in my library called "1000 Astrological Facts You Should Know" or something of that nature and I must have read it 6 times lol :)

Answer 10

no degree.

just an open mind subject to research and theories.
(I try to never say anything is not possible)

I've always had a deep fascination of space since I was about 6, and my dad bought me a telescope.

I spend alot of time researching theories online.
like wiki
nasa
youtube (seriously)
google
and my own common sense.

if your looking for "pro"s like yahoo suggests in their advertisements, then your in for a big surprise. about 5% of the people here actually fit the description.

(I feel comfortable in this category because it seems to hold the most dedicated and serious thinkers in YA)

Answer 11

Reading books, both fiction and non-fiction. Looking at the stars. Being inspired as a kid by the atmosphere of the late 1960s, both Star Trek and Apollo.