2 answers
Stella
Student
Youngstown, Ohio
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What do I need to do to become a astronomer
What do I need to do to become a astronomer
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2 answers
Warren Lubow
More than 30 years in technology Industry with Over 20+ years at the Executive Level in Business Development & Sales, Also an expert in Automotive, Cloud, IoT, and more
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Seattle, Washington
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Warren’s Answer
Most research astronomers have doctorate degrees in physics or astronomy and also bachelor's and/or master's degrees in a physical science, usually physics or astronomy. It takes about 10 years of education beyond normal high school education to become a research astronomer
Francesco Pierfederici
Principal Engineer
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Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
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Francesco’s Answer
Hi Stella, as a former professional astronomer I will try my best to answer :-)
Astronomy is a big field with many professions contributing to it. Everything from (you guessed it) astronomers, to software engineers, mechanical engineers, laser and optics technicians, to cooks and drivers (in astronomical observatories) and more! This is just to give you an idea of the many ways folks end up working in the field.
Now, if you wanted to become a professional astronomer, you would typically pursue a PhD in either astronomy or physics. There are other PhDs which might help you break into astronomy like geology and biology, which could lead to a career in planetary physics and astro-biology respectively.
After your PhD, you would need to do one, but more likely two post-docs. These are fixed-term contract (usually 2-3 years), normally *not* in the university where you got your PhD. Ideally in another state or country.
The next and hopefully final step would be a tenure-track position at a university or observatory.
Yes, it is a lot of studying and a lot of work but it is definitely worth it!
Have fun!
Astronomy is a big field with many professions contributing to it. Everything from (you guessed it) astronomers, to software engineers, mechanical engineers, laser and optics technicians, to cooks and drivers (in astronomical observatories) and more! This is just to give you an idea of the many ways folks end up working in the field.
Now, if you wanted to become a professional astronomer, you would typically pursue a PhD in either astronomy or physics. There are other PhDs which might help you break into astronomy like geology and biology, which could lead to a career in planetary physics and astro-biology respectively.
After your PhD, you would need to do one, but more likely two post-docs. These are fixed-term contract (usually 2-3 years), normally *not* in the university where you got your PhD. Ideally in another state or country.
The next and hopefully final step would be a tenure-track position at a university or observatory.
Yes, it is a lot of studying and a lot of work but it is definitely worth it!
Have fun!