A passion for the stars, planets, galaxies and the universe and a thirst for knowledge about everything out there can lead you to consider astronomy as a career and not just a hobby. It is a choice that can take you around the world and possibly lead you to great and surprising discoveries about space and what we can learn about its mysteries. Becoming an astronomer will require commitment, good study skills and research to enroll in the right courses.
Steps
Step 1. Consider the challenges from the start
Astronomy is a popular field and the competition that characterizes it is intense. Furthermore, the availability of the works is not very wide and many of them are carried out in the academic field. This means that you will have to prepare yourself to study really hard, to focus from the earliest stages on the areas of your career interest and also to consider dedicating yourself to a profession related to the sector, not necessarily purely astronomical. However, if you don't give it your all, you won't know what your chances are, so don't let the challenges stop you before you even begin!
Be prepared to set aside time and resources to become the most skilled astronomer possible. This usually means obtaining higher university degrees after completing your bachelor's degree, specializing after completing your general studies
Step 2. You do well in school if you are still in high school
This means having good grades, especially when it comes to final exam results. Focus in particular on mathematics, physics and other scientific subjects, as these are the cornerstones of astronomy. In addition, knowing foreign languages, knowing how to deal with computer science and being familiar with geography are equally useful skills. Other skills that are important to have as an astronomer include:
Be more analytical and logical and have rational discernment skills
Step 3. Look for a suitable course for you at college or university
Bachelor's degree programs focusing solely on astronomy are not common, so you should consider moving or even applying to a university in another country. Alternatively, talk to the university about the astronomy options it offers and try to figure out if taking math and / or physics courses with some astronomical input will be enough to allow you to enroll in a dedicated postgraduate course. only to astronomy. Talk to course advisors for more information.
Whichever choice you make, it is important to aim to enroll in the best university or college possible, but that also depends on the results you will achieve at school
Step 4. Select university subjects that fit your dream
If you are able to enter an undergraduate program that is purely focused on astronomy, then it is likely that the appropriate subjects will have already been chosen by the lesson coordinators. If not, opt for a degree in math or physics. If possible, add subjects such as astronomy and / or astrophysics, provided it is available, however remember that they can be chosen in a postgraduate course to specialize. Whatever course you end up taking, do your best.
When it comes time to write your master's thesis, be willing to question the tradition and status quo of astronomy. A great astronomer (sadly who died prematurely) named Beatrice Tinsley is known as one of the greatest and most creative theorists in astronomy and has been recognized for her broad outlook and her ability to create synergy between so much information, seeing many connections that they escaped others. Her thesis took eight years to be fully accepted, because the scholar's thinking was far too advanced and so were her discoveries, but she didn't let this stop her. Be strong about your beliefs (and factual basis) to understand connections and theories that others don't understand
Step 5. Take some time to improve your computer skills
This does not mean playing with the computer; it actually refers to programming skills and an understanding of the mathematical principles behind it.
Step 6. Make astronomy your passion
While not being able to study astronomy during the first level studies, there is no reason to neglect the broadest possible learning. Read many books and articles related to this field, join a local astronomy society and participate in its activities and take trips to observatories and science museums. Also, try meeting real astronomers to talk to about their projects. You never know, you may be able to find a job during the holidays, doing basic but critical activities to support astronomy projects in different parts of the world, so be sure to ask and keep your eyes peeled on the online forums. line of astronomy to immediately become aware of the possibilities.
Look for places to work part-time or during the holidays or semester breaks at the university observatories, even if you only have to sell tickets at the entrance. This allows you to cross the threshold open to astronomy with at least one foot
Step 7. Decide which area of astronomy you would like to dedicate your career to
As you become more and more specialized with studies and experiences in the field, you will have to choose the area of greatest interest to you. Generally, astronomers specialize in fields such as planetary science, solar astronomy, the origin and evolution of stars, and the formation of galaxies.
Despite having a specialization, there is no "typical day" for an astronomer, because the work can vary a lot: you can observe with telescopes, use computers to model theories, do research, talk to other astronomers, form an audience using your knowledge, visit other observatories, analyze data and participate in meetings or conferences
Advice
- Becoming a nocturnal animal can be a benefit to this profession!
- Maintain good physical shape and optimal nutrition. Stargazing is harder work than it may seem and observing through telescopes can cause muscle aches that you have never experienced before!
- Learn early to write grant proposals. It is highly likely that this will be a very large part of your work!
- Check the lists of national astronomy associations to find the names of the people who matter in the field, to understand which colleges or universities they have attended or to analyze their career path.
- Contrary to other science subjects, it is much more difficult to interact with the objects you study. You cannot touch a star, you cannot visit a nebula, and you cannot be near a planet. You will have to learn a lot from observing the electromagnetic spectrum (for this you need physics) and from understanding the general principles of mathematics and science, again, especially physics. You will need to feel very comfortable researching, computer-created models and endlessly testing hypotheses.
- The best articles written in the field are thought to have been written by astronomers between the ages of 40 and 50. This means that you will have to work hard from the beginning to evolve your theories and test them.
Warnings
- As with any degree program, there is always the possibility of not finding your dream job in the end. You should be prepared to think broadly and consider astronomy-related professions, even if they weren't specific. Don't lose sight of your goal, but don't give up on good opportunities just because they don't really affect your ultimate goal; consider each step as a milestone.
- Be kind to people who call you an astrologer or who have a misunderstanding of the subject attributable to clichés. While it's irritating, it's impossible to be sure you won't make the same mistake regarding someone else's career terminology.
