Astronomy

 

 

 

What is Astronomy?

Astronomy is the study of planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole, including how these originate and how they evolve in time. The principal pursuits of the astronomer are to extend our understanding of the physical nature of the universe and to convey this understanding to students and the general public.

Astronomy is an observational, not an experimental, science. With only a few exceptions (e.g., meteorites, moon rocks), astronomers cannot actually handle celestial objects and are totally dependent upon incoming radiation from space. Observations over the entire electromagnetic spectrum (gamma rays, x-rays, ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, microwave, and radio waves) are collected with both earth-based and space telescopes. These observations are then analyzed and interpreted using the tools of modern theoretical physics. The heart of the prospective astronomer's education therefore consists of a firm grounding in physics plus the advanced mathematics at the core of the physics.

 

Career Opportunities in Astronomy

Most professional astronomers have faculty positions at universities and colleges or are affiliated with universities and colleges through observatories and laboratories. For these astronomers, teaching and research are the major areas of activity. The PhD degree is generally required for faculty positions. Some professional astronomers are employed by the federal government directly (e.g., NASA) or by federally supported national observatories and laboratories (e.g., the National Optical Astronomy Observatories and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory). A PhD degree in astronomy or physics is generally required for these positions, just as for academic positions.

Individuals with MS and BS degrees in astronomy may also find employment at observatories, planetariums, science museums, and in industry where they may assist in computational and observational research programs or participate in public education programs.

The BS degree in astronomy is excellent preparation for graduate study in astronomy and in some other physical sciences.

 

Salary Trends

Beginning salaries for faculty positions at colleges and universities range from $25,000 to $50,000, depending upon the candidate's skills, previous experience (generally gained in postdoctoral research positions), and the size, quality, and competitiveness of the school.

 

High School Preparation

Students who major in astronomy should be ready to start their calculus and science courses as soon as they begin college. This means that their high school mathematics should go up to and include analytical geometry and trigonometry, and their high school science courses should include physics and chemistry. Experience with computers is also very helpful.

 

Astronomy Requirements

Modern astronomy is essentially physics applied to the study of celestial objects. Therefore, the astronomy major curriculum looks very much like the physics major curriculum, although certain advanced physics courses and laboratories are not included for an astronomy degree. In addition, students who major in astronomy are required to take an introductory and one advanced sequence in astronomy plus an advanced course and an observational techniques and data handling course.

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