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What can I do to become an astronomer?

I want to become a future astronomer and I need to know how exactly to get the position I want. #astronomer

science stem physics astronomy astrophysics space astronomer astrophysicist
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Joseph’s Answer

The most common starting point for a career in astronomy is a degree in physics. To get there, you'll need to pay particular attention to your mathematics, physics, and computing classes. Any physics degree can be a route into astronomy, but some universities and colleges have more specialized programs offering courses focusing more strongly on astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology; these will give you a stronger chance. Research where you might be interested in going, and have a look what their entry requirements are.
You'll learn a lot during a physics degree, which will help direct your choices afterwards. Personally, I started off in astrophysics, but during my degree, found I was actually better suited to nuclear physics, and changed direction.
Following on from your degree, there's postgraduate study to look at. There are some astronomy-related jobs available if you've just finished a degree, but most serious astronomy is academic research work, for which you'll need to go on to get a PhD and postdoctoral research positions.

Joseph recommends the following next steps:

Work on getting good grades at school, particularly in the STEM subjects
Research colleges and universities for programs you're interested in: eg: https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/astronomy-and-astrophysics/rankings/most-popular/
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Will’s Answer

Hi Aryona ,

It's amazing that you are dreaming so big! As a rule of thumb, the chance of success is higher, no matter what you desire, to get into the best organization/league. E.g., if you wanna play professional basketball, you try to get into NBA. Same thing, if you'd like to become an astronomer, you might want to work, or at least start, with NASA.

Therefore, I went to NASA's website and found this:
https://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/5-8/features/F_Astronomy_as_a_Profession.html

Good luck :)
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Sumitra’s Answer

Hello Aryona! It's really great to know that you wish to be an astronomer. May be you will find a more comprehensive answer starting from course to pursue:-
https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/astronomer/how-to-become/
Hope this helps!😊
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