4 answers
Belamie
Student
Bujumbura Mairie, Bujumbura Mairie, Burundi
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I want to be an astronomer, I like maths and physics.What's the next step?
#physics #math #astronomy #science
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4 answers
John Kriegel
Write and test software
27
Answers
Troy, Michigan
Updated
John’s Answer
I don't know your age, but "the next step" depends on what you have done so far. I recommend studying everything in the field. Starting with Google News, Science section. Another web site to check is ScienceDaily (has a number of different areas besides astronomy). There is a number of youTube channels that should be of interest, "Doctor Becky" and "Anton Petrov" come to mind. There used to be several astronomy magazines available, but they might be a bit expensive now. You will be on the right track when you can recognize names of people in the field (Hubble, Hygens, Galileo, and people who are alive in the field too). You might want to start thinking about a university to go to that has a good astronomy department. You also might consider if there are any clubs in your area. There might also be some special events where people bring their telescopes and share views and knowledge. We have one in this area called "Astronomy at the Beach" - in a public park and there will be about 30 telescopes set up and you can go from one to another until you are bored (or until they have to leave). Speaking of telescopes, have you considered getting one of your own? It does not have to be expensive to learn and now you can do astrophotography with a cell phone attached to a telescope. There are some facebook groups along this line. Check them out.
Thank you so much. I am 15 years old!
Belamie
This is a perfect age to study the stars in a gradually more serious manner. A few good books and starmaps will help you to study the night sky. If a telescope is within reach then go for it, but a decent pair of binoculars can be really good. And you can have a try at long exposures even without a telescope. Of course the less light pollution the better, but don't let light pollution hold you back.
John Kriegel
Joseph Neilson
Radiation Detection Physicist
224
Answers
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
The main first step for an astronomer is a university degree in either general physics or an astronomy-specific physics program like astronomy, astrophysics or cosmology. I'm not sure what the education system is like in your part of the world, so I'm not sure what qualifications you'll need to get in (you'll need to check with universities in your area - I expect most have admissions requirements on their websites) - but it will basically mean doing as well as you can in maths and physics through school.
You'll then do your undergraduate physics degree, and even once you've finished that, there's still not many jobs available in astronomy without further qualifications, so you'll likely want to go on to do a PhD.
Personally, I was also interested in a career in astrophysics, but it didn't quite work out for me - I found that toward the end of my undergraduate astrophysics studies, it was getting a bit too challenging for me, and instead of pursuing a PhD, I switched instead to doing nuclear physics, which I was better at and now really enjoy. I hope it works out better for you, but a physics degree will set you up very well whatever career you end up in.
You'll then do your undergraduate physics degree, and even once you've finished that, there's still not many jobs available in astronomy without further qualifications, so you'll likely want to go on to do a PhD.
Personally, I was also interested in a career in astrophysics, but it didn't quite work out for me - I found that toward the end of my undergraduate astrophysics studies, it was getting a bit too challenging for me, and instead of pursuing a PhD, I switched instead to doing nuclear physics, which I was better at and now really enjoy. I hope it works out better for you, but a physics degree will set you up very well whatever career you end up in.
I am actually in Burundi but I study in Austria(10th Grade in highscool)😁
Belamie
Eric Parsonnet
Consulting
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Hi there! Very exciting!
I just finished my PhD in Physics, and similar to you, I discovered my love for the subject around the time when I was 14-18 years old. My best advice for you is this: follow your passion, and to allow your passion to evolve. There are many specialties within physics/math/astronomy, and as you get more exposure to the topics, you will likely gravitate to a few specific sections. For example, for me, I ultimately settled on a PhD in the physics of computers (you might have heard it called semiconductor physics), but the first topic I really loved was astronomy.
Ok, so how does someone get exposure to the different specialties?? First thing: it takes time! If you have available to you any classes in physics, math, or astronomy, you should take them! If you can purchase, or rent from the library, textbooks on the subject that's great, though they will likely be a little too advanced when you are just starting out. The most important thing is to stay inquisitive and stay excited!
As you progress, especially in college, its a great idea to pursue a major in physics/astronomy/math. After college, there will be a couple options open to you.
1. The academic route: this consists of getting a PhD (or at least masters) in the subject, then usually doing something called a "post-doc" (where you do super specialized research) and then becoming a professor.
2. The non-academic route: this consists of getting a job outside of academia. For example, maybe you can work at a government agency (in the USA, for example we have NASA), or maybe you work as a scientist in a private company. There are lots of options. One great thing about a degree in physics/astronomy/math is that the skills you will learn will be very applicable for a lot of different jobs (I've even had lots of my physics major friends end up doing things like finance or computer programming)
So to summarize, the best thing to do is follow your passion and stay interested! I'm so excited for you! It'll be fun!
I just finished my PhD in Physics, and similar to you, I discovered my love for the subject around the time when I was 14-18 years old. My best advice for you is this: follow your passion, and to allow your passion to evolve. There are many specialties within physics/math/astronomy, and as you get more exposure to the topics, you will likely gravitate to a few specific sections. For example, for me, I ultimately settled on a PhD in the physics of computers (you might have heard it called semiconductor physics), but the first topic I really loved was astronomy.
Ok, so how does someone get exposure to the different specialties?? First thing: it takes time! If you have available to you any classes in physics, math, or astronomy, you should take them! If you can purchase, or rent from the library, textbooks on the subject that's great, though they will likely be a little too advanced when you are just starting out. The most important thing is to stay inquisitive and stay excited!
As you progress, especially in college, its a great idea to pursue a major in physics/astronomy/math. After college, there will be a couple options open to you.
1. The academic route: this consists of getting a PhD (or at least masters) in the subject, then usually doing something called a "post-doc" (where you do super specialized research) and then becoming a professor.
2. The non-academic route: this consists of getting a job outside of academia. For example, maybe you can work at a government agency (in the USA, for example we have NASA), or maybe you work as a scientist in a private company. There are lots of options. One great thing about a degree in physics/astronomy/math is that the skills you will learn will be very applicable for a lot of different jobs (I've even had lots of my physics major friends end up doing things like finance or computer programming)
So to summarize, the best thing to do is follow your passion and stay interested! I'm so excited for you! It'll be fun!
Jezreel Sabugo-Llamas
B.S. in Applied Mathematics and Statistics
12
Answers
Pomona, California
Updated
Jezreel’s Answer
You sound like a smart young person. When you get to college you’ll really find out what to set your sights on. A lot of things are susceptible to change when you reach that age. If you’re extremely motivated you might find yourself in astronomy like you always wanted who knows. I just suggest your next steps are to continue doing well in math and physics like you already are, and enjoy your youth. When the more complicated courses come into play you won’t have the leisure of as much free time as now. I fully support your academic studies though and good luck, I hope you succeed in the future, we’re all rooting for you!