This first step is the foundation for the study of astronomy. Some universities offer a degree specialization in astrophysics , which is a mix of astronomy and physics. Complete a Ph. Before committing to a particular sub-discipline, take time to determine which area is of greatest interest to you. The Ph. To earn your Ph. The dissertation, which can range from eighty to a hundred pages in length, is an in-depth study of a particular topic in astronomy. Some examples of dissertation topics are exploration of star formations, examination of mass planets, and analysis of radio pulsars.
Following the writing of your dissertation, you will need to pass qualifying exams to graduate with a Ph. A postdoctoral fellowship will make you a competitive job candidate. Astronomy is the science which deals with the study of heavenly bodies. It considers a their motions, both real and apparent, and the laws which govern those motions; b their forms, dimensions, masses, and surface features; c their nature, constitution, and physical condition; d the effects which they produce upon one another by their attractions and radiations; e their probable past history and future development.
Astronomy is necessarily an observational science rather than an experimental one. The discussions and interpretation of observations employs the use of mathematical analysis, often of the most advanced type.
Celestial bodies and celestial environment provide natural laboratories for studying physical phenomena in extreme conditions which are seldom realised in our terrestrial environment. Physical and mathematical theories are thus stretched to the limit to provide explanations for the celestial phenomena that we observe.
Modern astronomy requires the use of most modern and advanced technologies, e. It needs fast computers, state-of-the-art software to handle data and process images, it needs stable space platforms to observe radiation otherwise blocked by the Earth's atmosphere. An acute need for young scientists in the field of Astronomy is present. Several research institutes and government organizations employ research scientists in various academic grades for research oriented programmes.
If astronomy seems a rigorous science, it's because the objective of astronomers is nothing less than to understand the nature of the universe. It takes a special person to pursue this objective; one who likes to challenge and be challenged. Decisions made in high school can have a big effect on a science career. Generally, students who take mathematics or science courses after the tenth grade have the best chance of successfully pursuing a science or engineering career. Although most colleges require at least one year of high school science and two years of high school mathematics, this minimum background is insufficient for students planning to major in science.
A better approach is to complete math through pre-calculus in high school. This gives students who plan to major in astronomy or physics the necessary grounding in mathematics needed to start their science courses as soon as they begin college. Both chemistry and physics courses are also strongly recommended in high school as adequate preparation for the first year of college. Students are also encouraged to get involved in high school science groups, state junior academies of science, and local amateur astronomy clubs.
There are literally thousands of such organizations in the United States. College undergraduates planning careers in astronomy must obtain a solid foundation in physics and mathematics.
An astronomy major with a strong background in physics, or a physics major with some astronomy coursework, should have a sufficient foundation in physics and math to seek a graduate program in astronomy. Specifically, a student planning to go on to graduate school in astronomy should have had physics courses covering electricity and magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and quantum theory.
For some astronomy specialties, however, studies in geology or chemistry may be more appropriate. Computer science, too, permeates all facets of astronomy today. In recent years, supercomputers have allowed astronomers to simulate processes that before were nearly impossible to study. A good grounding in computer science, therefore, will benefit prospective astronomers, especially those considering a specialty in theoretical astronomy.
In addition, a good scientist must also have the ability to read and write clearly and to communicate well with people, often across cultural boundaries. Do not neglect college courses in writing, the humanities, and the social sciences. Most astronomy positions require a PhD degree, which can take five or six years of graduate work. This path enables the astronomer to do much independent work, which is what makes astronomy enjoyable: finding a problem and finding a way to solve it.
Once admitted, the astronomy graduate students take advanced courses in astronomy and astrophysics while beginning to undertake some research. The specific courses depend on the requirements of the department and on the student's research interests. After the first two years of course work, the graduate program generally requires research projects to be conducted under the supervision of faculty members, culminating in a PhD dissertation.
The AAS maintains a list of astronomy degree granting institutions. The American Institute of Physics AIP maintains an interactive tool called GradSchoolShopper to help you find a suitable graduate program in physics, astronomy, or a related field.
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