What are the different branches of Astronomy that I can go into?

Hi Sage,

This is such a great question!!!

There are many different branches of astronomy you can choose from because there are so many different kinds of astronomers. This is because astronomy is the study of the universe and astronomers have so many different objects to study. This is a very exciting field right now with many new discoveries, yet astronomy is also one of the oldest scientific fields.

In many different types of science, you have applied scientists and theoretical scientists. Applied or observational astronomers observe the physical world, take measurements, collect samples, and possibly go to space. Theoretical scientists study theories and create computer or statistical models to try to explain the universe. Both are very important, even though they take a different approach.

Astronomers also may specialize based on the qualities of the things they observe. There are planetary astronomers who study planets, stellar astronomers who study stars, solar astronomers who study the sun, and so on for things like galaxies or the beginning of the universe.

My friends, who are technologists and computer scientists, love studying about stars as a hobby – even though it isn’t their normal job. When you go to a planetarium or a star party you will see many different types of telescopes based on the type of phenomenon the observer is trying to find. Most communities have a local astronomical society or planetarium – try googling one in your area.

A basic telescope is not too expensive but you can also see quite a lot with your eyes or with binoculars at night. Write down what you observe or come up with a model to explain the universe in your head or using a computer.

Check out the link below to find answers to some interesting astronomy questions:

http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/physics/147-people-in-astronomy/careers-in-astronomy/being-an-astronomer/906-what-are-the-different-kinds-of-astronomers-intermediate

https://learn.org/directory/category/Physical_Science/Physical_and_Earth_Sciences/Astronomy_and_Cosmology.html

https://www.aip.org/jobs/profiles/cosmology-jobs - this article talks about the different types of jobs

https://aas.org/learn/careers-astronomy - this is an article about where the jobs and employers are

https://www.astronomynotes.com/telescop/s2.htm - this is how a telescope works

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what-is-the-hubble-space-telecope-58.html - this is a great article about the Hubble Space Telescope which orbits the earth constantly…

Astronomy is an exciting field- I can only imagine all the beauty of space that you will be able to behold. I would recommend to look up different college websites and browse their astronomy degrees and departments. I know that professors love to hear from students and maybe reaching out to one of the Astronomy professors might be helpful as you think of what type of careers to pursue within Astronomy.

Go to the website: aas.org as you will find a section about what careers are in Astronomy. It is a great resource to find more info about where astronomers work, where jobs are, national observatories, and so forth. In the meantime, try to find an observatory near you where you might be able to meet a fellow astronomer or mentor. Best of luck in your future endeavors- your future is bright!