To Become An Astronomer

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astro17

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I am wondering what it takes to eb an astronomer...Is it hard to find a job as an astronomer in the U.S. ? <br />Obviously it takes some hard work but aside from that. If I could find out that would be great! <br />Thanks!
 
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tom_hobbes

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Perseverance, passion and a little ability will take you very far in most disciplines. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="2" color="#339966"> I wish I could remember<br /> But my selective memory<br /> Won't let me</font><font size="2" color="#99cc00"> </font><font size="3" color="#339966"><font size="2">- </font></font><font size="1" color="#339966">Mark Oliver Everett</font></p><p> </p> </div>
 
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Saiph

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well, you need a Ph.D. in physics basically to be an actual researching astronomer. Also, finding a position is <i>hard</i>. There are roughly 5,000 astronomers worldwide (ouch!).<br /><br />Every year ~95% of newly minted Ph.D.'s in astronomy fail to get a traditional astronomy position, as very few positions open up, and hundreds of candidates apply. So it is very, very competitive.<br /><br />However, almost every single astronomy Ph.D. gets a well paid job in the general scientific area, be it in another field or a more commercialized/industrial application.<br /><br />Having a Physics Bachelor's, should you not go all the way to the Ph.D. can also land you a solid position in many companies. <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>
 
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nexius

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Physics = Hard can I ask help on homework on here? lol it would be highschool physics so im sure you all can handle it <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> lol
 
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Saiph

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you can ask, though you should make sure people understand it is a homework question. And then don't expect the full answer, only help such as a tutor would give you. The MCT and MODs will likely discourage people posting completely worked answers. <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>
 
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nexius

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true. . I see where your coming from. i'm on the lookout for a tutor heh. because i know Ill need one physics isnt a piece of cake ive been told by many.
 
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Saiph

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physics requires a certain approach. I found a lot of it easy, but there are subjects that I don't get, and other areas that are hard (due to the math involved) <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>
 
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Saiph

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It's hard to put your finger on it. It's being able to see the big picture, and strip it down to it's component parts. Then dealing with each one in turn. <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>
 
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narifex

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The most important first step to learning physics is learning math, either algebra or calculus depending on whether you are learning algebra- or calculus-based physics. If you want a true appreciation for physics and the ability to move onto more advanced material, you're going to need to go with calculus-based. Some people can learn this stuff on their own but most people need to take the courses and learn it in school.<br /><br />By the way, there are various web sites already in existence for providing help with math and physics homework, or for answering questions of various types in general. Do some searching on google and see what you can come up with.
 
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