Filed in Category General Astronomy
Question Posed – I am thinking about becoming an Astronomy major but i don’t know in what field i want to do. Any Astronomy majors here?
3 Comments so far
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I work in astrophysics. It’s a great field. Many people don’t appreciate what a privilege it is to think and create for a living. Also, studies show that a research job can add *years* of mental life. Staves off senility, memory loss, etc.
Generally, there are several types of astronomical topics. If you really like math and abstract stuff, you can do theoretical astrophysics. If you just like to be immersed in stuff and never get tired of seeing new things, you can be an observational or survey astronomer. You can do the work from the ground or you can work on observatories in space, depending on what your topic is.
Additionally, there are many phenomena in astrophysics to study (from the Sun to planets to novae to black holes, etc.). The choices can seem intimidating, but think of it this way: with so many options, you can definitely fine-tune your choice to something you know you’ll enjoy.
You really should go around the astronomy department and ask professors about what they do. It can be intimidating (it was for me at least), but if you’re going to be a scientist you’ll need practice in these types of discussions.
Astronomy majors should *definitely* get summer research projects! It really brings you closer to the life of an astronomer, and most of the positions pay so you’ll have a summer job. NASA, for example, has many programs – go to education.nasa.gov
Good luck!
CJ
you will need to study math. calculus is used to calculate astronomical distances. you will also need to study physics in order to understand the laws of physics. good luck.
I am not one, but I think you need to have some sort of background in mathematics, as well as physics.