Astronomer
Caitlyn Mueller - 3rd Hour
Career Overview
Astronomers studies outer space. They try to find to find scientific answers to questions about the universe. They observe the skies through telescopes and use spectroscopes to study light from stars. Some determine sizes and orbits of planets, moons, and comets.
How to Succeed in This Career
Good classes to take in high school are: Advanced Math, English, Science, social studies, also other helpful classes would be Calculus, Advanced, Chemistry, Physics, and Statistics and Probability. As far as college, you would need a Doctorate degree.
Cost of Education & Living
Tuition: $42,220 per year
Aproximently 4 years: $168,880
Parent Estimations
Housing for amount of time in college (most are for four years with summers off)= $ 30000
Food/groceries for the amount of time I will be in college (most are 4 year degrees) = $20800
Gas money for travelling/helping pay for carpooling during time at college (4 yrs.) = $ 10000
Clothing money for time at college (typically 4 yrs.) = $4000
Total tuition for total time at college (typically 4 yrs. with summers off)= $23000
GRAND TOTAL COST OF GOING TO COLLEGE (housing, food, gas, clothing, and tuition)=$ 87800
Most people would be able to apply for loans, financial aid, or scholarships if you need the help. It would be smart to at least get a part time job while in school to help pay for the costs of everything.
Thoughts about Pursuing this Career
Professional Organizations
(NASA Organization Structure)- http://www.nasa.gov/about/org_index.html
(America Astronomy Society)- http://aas.org
Pros and Cons
-Challenge of exploring space
-Excellent money
-Has job openings coming up
Cons-
-Repetitive observations can become boring
-Night time hours
-Unsteady hours