Key questions about the big bang and the nature of matter in the universe can only be answered by studying the behavior and forces of elementary particles and, perhaps, discovering new particles.

Hence, in order to understand how the very large came to be, astronomers must learn what they can about the very small. You may have heard somewhere that astronomy is "hard" or difficult to grasp. This may seem to be the case because astronomers don't have laboratories like chemists, biologists, or paleontologists; they can't put stars in test tubes or galaxies in a centrifuge.

Their "fossils" lie millions and even billions of light-years away. Most of the time, astronomers derive information from an analysis of the light or the motions of celestial bodies, a process that, to the uninitiated, may seem more like sorcery than science. In fact, astronomy is a challenging science, but not because the universe is inaccessible in the conventional sense. Rather, astronomers must apply equal measures of analytic thinking and imagination, logic and intuition, to answer the most fundamental questions about the cosmos: What are stars and planets?

How did they evolve? Why does the night sky look the way it does? Does life exist among the stars? How did the universe get here? How will it end? If astronomy seems a rigorous science, it's because the objective of astronomers is nothing less than to understand the nature of the universe.

It takes a special person to pursue this objective; one who likes to challenge and be challenged. Decisions made in high school can have a big effect on a science career. Generally, students who take mathematics or science courses after the tenth grade have the best chance of successfully pursuing a science or engineering career. Although most colleges require at least one year of high school science and two years of high school mathematics, this minimum background is insufficient for students planning to major in science.

A better approach is to complete math through pre-calculus in high school. This gives students who plan to major in astronomy or physics the necessary grounding in mathematics needed to start their science courses as soon as they begin college. Both chemistry and physics courses are also strongly recommended in high school as adequate preparation for the first year of college.

Students are also encouraged to get involved in high school science groups, state junior academies of science, and local amateur astronomy clubs.

There are literally thousands of such organizations in the United States. College undergraduates planning careers in astronomy must obtain a solid foundation in physics and mathematics. An astronomy major with a strong background in physics, or a physics major with some astronomy coursework, should have a sufficient foundation in physics and math to seek a graduate program in astronomy. Specifically, a student planning to go on to graduate school in astronomy should have had physics courses covering electricity and magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and quantum theory.

They also need to have certain skills to successfully execute their duties and responsibilities:. Astronomers need a doctoral degree to specialize in their field. Lastly, when they earn a Ph.

Completing a Ph. Most aspiring astronomers apply for postdoctoral fellowships after they have completed their Ph. A postdoctoral position, which normally lasts between two to three years, involves joining an existing research program or conducting independent research in a specialized field, as well as teaching and mentoring junior students. Postdoctoral research often takes place in collaboration with other scientists.

As astronomy is such a complex and intricate subject, and one in which those who wish to enter the profession need years of study and training, they do not normally earn certifications in their field. However, astronomers can join the following professional organizations, where they can exchange ideas, gain access to advanced facilities and attend collaborative meetings and research presentations:.

This organization, which consists of 47 U. Qualified researchers from member institutions have access to these world-class facilities, and all members, via appointed representatives, have a say in AURA matters.

AAS is the main organization for professional astronomers in the U. Those who wish to join AAS must possess a graduate degree in astronomy or related science and have published articles in recognized international journals. Members take part in international meetings, where they can present papers and listen to world-renowned speakers on current topics. Besides advanced knowledge in subjects like mathematics and physics, astronomers need a range of diverse skills to successfully navigate their duties.

As astronomy is such an innovative and complex discipline, astronomers regularly collaborate with other specialists in their research. The daily activities of an astronomer also involve working closely with professionals in other fields, such as engineers and technicians.

Astronomers need to be good communicators and must function well in teams. Studying astronomy requires problem-solving and creative thinking. Since the work of astronomers involves many unsolved mysteries and unexplored territory, they have to think creatively and sometimes make bold conjectures.

The work of astronomers is closely linked to computers and technology. These specialists work with intricate software programs and often design complex systems.

They need extensive knowledge of computer systems and programming languages. After developing and testing theories and wrestling with complex scientific problems, astronomers share their findings in written reports, academic articles and papers. As their research often requires extensive funding, these professionals also have to write convincing grant proposals.

Some astronomers build their own instruments, which requires advanced knowledge of electronics and mechanics. Work environments for astronomers vary. D in astronomy, you can qualify for research positions at a university. These positions allow you to gain work experience and focus on your area of expertise in astronomy. You can also try to turn your research position into a full time employment position.

You will need to be flexible and adaptable, willing to move as needed. This is a good option if you want to go into academia and become a professor of astronomy.

Get a teaching position at a university. Become a professor of astronomy at the undergraduate or graduate level. Look for open positions at your local university or universities out of state. D in astronomy to qualify to teach. Apply for open positions at an observatory.

Another option is to apply to work at an observatory as the resident astronomer. Working at an observatory allows you to interact with the public. You can also curate exhibits on astronomy and write books about specific areas of astronomy as part of your job. You can also search for observatories in places you may want to live.

Look for positions in the aerospace or computer science industry. Some people who study to be an astronomer end up working in these areas, especially if they do not want to work in academia.

Make sure you emphasize your schooling, your work experience, and your particular field of study when applying for these positions.

You may also note how you would contribute to the aerospace or computer science industry as an employee. Apply for positions at a space agency.

You may apply for positions at NASA, focusing on your area of expertise in astronomy. You should focus on your passion for astronomy as well as your degrees and your high marks. You should also note how you would make a positive contribution to NASA as an astronomer.

Is astronomy is a good field or not? Is there a high chance of an astronomy graduate getting a good and secure job? Astronomy is a good field if you have scientific and analytical skills. If you want the highest chances of getting a job, get a PhD in astronomy, as many organizations, such as NASA, require you to get the degree.

Not Helpful 13 Helpful Learn about astronomy, math, and physics on your own to the extent that you can. But mostly, it's just a matter of getting the right formal education when you're older. Make sure you do well in high school so you can get into a good college.

Then in college, you can study physics, astronomy, or a similar subject, and find a job as a research assistant or something similar to start building experience. Finally, you would go to graduate school and then hopefully become an astronomer. Not Helpful 22 Helpful You'll want to study physics and math as much as you can, as those are the majority of what astronomers do. You can also pick up astronomy books or look up information about astronomy online.

Not Helpful 14 Helpful Most astronomers have a four-year degree and pursue further education for years. Anything can be fun if you have a passion in it!

But astronomy in particular can be fun if you can work out the endless mathematical calculations required. You will never be bored gazing at stars! In theory. There's a lot of interest in finding planets in the Goldilocks zone not too hot, not too cold. So far, there have been many planets discovered in this zone, but none of them have been confirmed to be able to support life.

It will be very difficult for you to become an astronomer, because math is heavily used in this field and the training that is required leading up to getting a job in the field. Not Helpful 10 Helpful Do astronomers get to spend time with their family, or do they spend most of their time in the lab or studying the galaxy?

Once you become an astronomer, it is an intense job with few breaks. There are few vacations or breaks because space won't stop for you to go to Florida. However, having a sensible work-life balance makes sense -- spend a lot of time in your younger years in the lab, then share the work around once you have a young family. You might even be able to bring the family along! Not Helpful 23 Helpful You can take broader courses, such as physics.

Then, with that qualification, transfer to another country's school to take astronomy. Not Helpful 29 Helpful Do I have to have a certain grade in physics and math to become an astronomer? You should probably have a decent grade, like a B or an A, because this will ensure you have a good grasp on the subjects.

Not Helpful 19 Helpful Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published.

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