3 answers
Gordon
Student
Ottumwa, Iowa
3
Questions
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How difficult is it to become an Astronomer
#science #research #astronomy
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3 answers
Michael Whitaker
Engineer
2
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Gordon,
While I'm not an Astronomer, I wanted to let you know what I found with an Internet search. My main advice would be to connect with an Astronomer and ask them if they would mind mentoring you. I'd also look for clubs or societies with people of similar interests. These clubs may not be local so you might have to join via Webex or a conferencing tool (even Phone bridge will work). You may be hesitant to reach out but I would expect he/she had mentors along their journey of becoming an Astronomer. Here's the link that I found and it seems to be very good info:
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Astronomer
Hope this helps,
Michael
Tyler Dolan
Actuarial Intern
3
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
Hi Gordon,
The difficulty largely depends on your interest level in my opinion. It starts with an astronomy/astrophysics degree (or physics with astro concentration) which is typically rigorous but incredibly interesting if you're into it (and extremely challenging and boring if you aren't). After that, you will likely have 4-7 years in grad school to get a PhD in one of the above to become a reputable astronomer. Those programs are incredibly rigorous and require significant dedication and discipline that can only be filled by a passion for the topic. The theme here is that if you are confident this is a passion (or at least a strong interest that could develop into a passion), then the path will likely be challenging but will feel exciting and engaging. Alternatively, if you aren't confident in your interest, there many easier paths that likely lead to higher paying careers or less stressful post-grad experiences. Good luck!
The difficulty largely depends on your interest level in my opinion. It starts with an astronomy/astrophysics degree (or physics with astro concentration) which is typically rigorous but incredibly interesting if you're into it (and extremely challenging and boring if you aren't). After that, you will likely have 4-7 years in grad school to get a PhD in one of the above to become a reputable astronomer. Those programs are incredibly rigorous and require significant dedication and discipline that can only be filled by a passion for the topic. The theme here is that if you are confident this is a passion (or at least a strong interest that could develop into a passion), then the path will likely be challenging but will feel exciting and engaging. Alternatively, if you aren't confident in your interest, there many easier paths that likely lead to higher paying careers or less stressful post-grad experiences. Good luck!
Craig Zamboni
Astrophysicist/Climate Scientist
3
Answers
Cranford, New Jersey
Updated
Craig’s Answer
Is it hard, nothing is hard if you love what you do or it is your passion. Never let others say something is too hard because if you do something you hate because it was easy then you will live a hard life knowing that you are not living your dream. Yes there is a lot of math, science, and writing but being an astronomer or astrophysicist is a fun interesting career where you have the opportunity to study the endless fabric of spacetime and make discoveries that teach of mankind of our small place in the that massive scale of the universe. You are actually looking back in time at the objects you see in space so you could say it is like having a small window into the past, so I’m essence you are somewhat of a time traveler taking pictures from a time when the first stars and galaxies were born. So, yes it is challenging and will take a commitment to studying hard and then continuing to master your craft over you entire lifetime.