Thinking of taking Astronomy studies..

[Philotas]

Ok, I`m thinking of becoming an astronomer. After reading about the studies on the University, I came a bit into doubt, however. <br /><br />I am mostly interested in planetary sciences rather than solar physics and black holes, though that`s interesting too, for sure. Is astronomy the correct choice in this situation? Are there alternative studies if I want to work with space sciences?<br /> <br />Comments apreciated; thanks. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[Saiph]

if you are interested in the planetary sciences, i'd suggest starting with geology, and some meteorology thrown in, with a heavy dose of physics.<br /><br />You're best bet on what to study is go to the astronomy dept at the University you are attending (plan to attend) and chat with one of the professors. Even if they don't actually do planetary astronomy, they'll know enough to get you started on a good path.<br /><br />BTW, astronomy is a hard and very competitive field. Only ~10% of new Ph.d.'s get a job in the field (and they've also got to compete with the left-overs from other years)...and the job turnover isn't that high either. There are only a few thousand astronomy positions world-wide.<br /><br />Now, industry jobs that use the astronomy based knowledge you know..aren't that rare. Nearly 100% of astronomy Ph.d.'s get a job...it's only a small portion that stay directly in the field though.<br /><br />but...math, math, math, math. Work hard to ace those math classes, trust me, I wish I had. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p align="center"><font color="#c0c0c0"><br /></font></p><p align="center"><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">--------</font></em></font><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">--------</font></em></font><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">----</font></em></font><font color="#666699">SaiphMOD@gmail.com </font><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">-------------------</font></em></font></p><p><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">"This is my Timey Wimey Detector.  Goes "bing" when there's stuff.  It also fries eggs at 30 paces, wether you want it to or not actually.  I've learned to stay away from hens: It's not pretty when they blow" -- </font></em></font><font size="1" color="#999999">The Tenth Doctor, "Blink"</font></p> </div>

 

[drwayne]

And if you are going to stay in the academic sector, you will need to:<br /><br />(1) Publish papers. Writing skills and getting out in the community and talking with and establishing working relationships with others in the field.<br /><br />(2) Get funding. Know who funds what and be prepared to write lots of proposals and be a salesman.<br /><br />I know you are just getting started, but knowing the skills you will need can help you with the academic (and other) choises you will make in coming years.<br /><br />Wayne <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>"1) Give no quarter; 2) Take no prisoners; 3) Sink everything."  Admiral Jackie Fisher</p> </div>

 

[Philotas]

So, I should become an geologist, or just have extra lessons in geology?<br /><br />I still have a couple of years on deciding myself, so I got no rush, luckily.<br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[yevaud]

Well, if it's Planetary Science that you're interested in, many people will double major in Astronomy and Geology, then go through a Geology track from there through to a Doctorate.<br /><br />Saiph is right. Math, math, more math. It frankly whipped my arse when I went to school. The Physics was fine, I got that. But math is armwrestling with Popeye.<br /><br />And I made the same decision he mentions about industry versus academia/research. The skill-set you develop in an Astronomy major is quite well received in the business world. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Differential Diagnosis:  </em>"<strong><em>I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are</em></strong>."<br /> </p> </div>

 

[Philotas]

Ok, thanks.<br /><br />I`ll handle the math I think; not <i>top</i> grades for the moment, but that can be adjusted easily with some work. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[drwayne]

Keep in mind that grades are not the real judge of how you are really doing.<br /><br />It is possible to get good grades and really not - get it.<br /><br />Hold yourself to the standard of really understanding things well. The thing about math is that it is that skills you learn today are the foundation of what you do tommorrow.<br /><br />Wayne <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>"1) Give no quarter; 2) Take no prisoners; 3) Sink everything."  Admiral Jackie Fisher</p> </div>

 

[dougum3882]

Grades aren't as important as your grasp of the concepts. Like all things in math, each thing you learn lays the foundation for the other things you will learn. In my experience teaching and tutoring, the students who have the most trouble in calculus are the ones who haven't mastered the basic concepts in algebra and pre-calculus. Of course, calculus is the foundation for much of the more hardcore math you will use in astronomy.

 

[drwayne]

We seem to see the world the same dougum. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /><br /><br />Wayne <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>"1) Give no quarter; 2) Take no prisoners; 3) Sink everything."  Admiral Jackie Fisher</p> </div>

 

[dougum3882]

I think you have to reach a certain level of math before you come to this realization. Being a physicist or a mathematician as you and I are, we have gotten to that point. Hopefully Philotas will learn that early and get a solid foundation (if he doesn't already have one).