2 answers
Abby
Student
Otsego, Minnesota
4
Questions
2 answers
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
141
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Astronomy is basically a branch of physics, in which planets, stars, galaxies, galactic clusters, …, and cosmology are studied. It is physics beyond our planet Earth.
Hence, if you want to major in astronomy, more appropriately named astrophysics, you should engage in STEM preparation early on in high school so that you are ready to take on the major of physics in college.
Astronomy (astrophysics) is a fascinated and rewarding field. In my senior year in college (at the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the University of Hawaii at Manoa), I took an astrophysics course. It was very interesting. Nonetheless, I ended up pursuing solid state physics in my graduate study.
Hence, if you want to major in astronomy, more appropriately named astrophysics, you should engage in STEM preparation early on in high school so that you are ready to take on the major of physics in college.
Astronomy (astrophysics) is a fascinated and rewarding field. In my senior year in college (at the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the University of Hawaii at Manoa), I took an astrophysics course. It was very interesting. Nonetheless, I ended up pursuing solid state physics in my graduate study.
Scott Lutz
Project Manager
1
Answer
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Hey!
Astronomers study planets, stars, and other celestial bodies. They use ground-based equipment, such as optical telescopes, and space-based equipment, such as the Hubble Space Telescope. Some astronomers study distant galaxies and phenomena such as black holes and neutron stars.
The bulk of an astronomer's job is heavily based on research, as the focus is on understanding how the universe works, and on trying to discover things about the universe that would be considered scientific breakthroughs.
The main tools used by astronomers are:
Telescopes - used to gather light emissions
Spectrographs - used to break up light into a spectrum to tell the temperature, composition, and velocity of space objects
Cameras - are connected to telescopes and used to gather images
Spacecrafts - cameras and telescopes are placed onboard to collect images of space objects
Computers - used to analyze data received from telescopes and spacecraft
Astronomers study planets, stars, and other celestial bodies. They use ground-based equipment, such as optical telescopes, and space-based equipment, such as the Hubble Space Telescope. Some astronomers study distant galaxies and phenomena such as black holes and neutron stars.
The bulk of an astronomer's job is heavily based on research, as the focus is on understanding how the universe works, and on trying to discover things about the universe that would be considered scientific breakthroughs.
The main tools used by astronomers are:
Telescopes - used to gather light emissions
Spectrographs - used to break up light into a spectrum to tell the temperature, composition, and velocity of space objects
Cameras - are connected to telescopes and used to gather images
Spacecrafts - cameras and telescopes are placed onboard to collect images of space objects
Computers - used to analyze data received from telescopes and spacecraft