Astronomer
"We are spinning in a galaxy, right now" -Daniel Gajeski
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars" -Les Brown
Basic Information about an Astronomer
- Astronomers study objects found in space such as planets, moons, stars, solar systems and galaxies.
- They usually work full time, although research may also be conducted at night when some objects are more visible.
- Becoming an astronomer usually requires a high level of education such as a doctorate degree.
- Strong math skills are important for astronomers.
- Astronomers usually work for Universities, research institutes, or the government.
- There aren't a large number of professional astronomers compared to some other scientific fields.
- Professional astronomers only spend a small amount of time with telescopes, most of their time is spent analyzing images and data.
- Astrophysics is a branch of astronomy that focuses on the physics of the Universe.
- Galileo is often regarded as the father of modern astronomy.
- As an astronomer you we'd make around $96,460
Pros and Cons
- As an astronomer you have flexibility to work on a variety of interesting projects on a daily basis. This is good because then you not just working one the same thing everyday.
- Astronomers study objects found in space such as planets, moons, stars, solar systems and galaxies. This is good because you get to learn a lot about what's not right in front of you, you get to study things very far away.
- The salary for an astronomer is around 95,000 dollars a year. That's good because you can pay off you student loans
Cons:
- You may have to stay up late to look at planets, moons, stars, solar systems and galaxies. That bad because then you will be tired during the day.
- To become an astronomer their is a lot of competition. This is bad because you might get done with college and not get the job you wanted in the first place.
- To become an astronomer you have to be very smart you have to be in a lot of advanced classes and you have to work very hard in high school. This is bad for people that have dreams of being an astronomer that aren't very smart.
What You Need to Succeed
- Advanced Calculus
- Advanced Geometry and Trig.
- Advanced Physics
- Astronomy
- Calculus
- Physical Science
- Physics
Post-Secondary Education
College - Astronomers must have at least a Ph.D. in astronomy and or astrophysics. There are two options as an astronomer: observational and theoretical. If you choose to take the observational route, you need to have training in electronics and or electrical engineering. If you go with theoretical, you need to have training in mathematics and/or computer science.
Colleges You Can Attend
UW-Madison
Website: http://www.wisc.edu
Address: Madison, WI 53706
Pros:
- It's a good price for each year.
- They offer basketball.
- They have a nice campus.
Cons:
- They don't offer baseball as a sport.
- More women as freshmen than boys.
- Far away form Green Bay.
Boston University
Address: Boston, MA 02215
Pros:
- Division one
- Great school
- Attendence options
Cons:
- Cost a lot of money
- Don't have baseball
- More women freshmen than men.
Michigan State University
Address: 220 Trowbridge Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
Pros:
- Division 1 baseball.
- It doesn't cost that much.
- To stay on campus it doesn't cost a lot.
Cons:
- 14,000 men applied but only 9,000 got accepted.
- Need 2 years of foreign language.
- Moderately difficult (about 85% of all applicants accepted).
Associations/Professional Organization
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Website: https://www.astrosociety.org
Location: 390 Ashton Avenue, San Francisco, CA, United States
Phone: 415-715-1406
American Astronomical Association
Website: http://aas.org
Location: 2000 Florida Ave NW Ste 400
Phone: 202-328-2010
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Sources
Works Cited
“About UW-Madison Graduate School.” University of Wisconsin Madison. Board of Regents, n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2016. <http://grad.wisc.edu/about>.
“Beginners Guide to Dinoculars.” Universe Today. Fraser Cain, n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2016. <http://www.universetoday.com/91259/beginners-guide-to-binoculars/>.
“Michigan State University.” Michigan State Unveristy. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2016. <http://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2013/staff-profiles-darryl-taylor/>.
“Study in Boston.” Boston College. Pinboard Theme, n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2016. <http://www.studyinboston.com/education/universities/>.