Q&A for How to Become an Astronomer

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.

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.

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.

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.

Once you become an astronomer, it is an intense job with few breaks. Expect to be in the lab 24/7/365. 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!

You can take broader courses, such as physics. Then, with that qualification, transfer to another country's school to take astronomy.

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 necessarily. It depends on the course of study at your school. Many science classes will focus on physics, however.

You should study about space and the stars, and you will have to learn about the universe.

Ships with a solar sail use sunlight pressure to move. Most ships use a reaction engine: You chuck something out the back, and the equal and opposite reaction pushes your ship forward. This "something" ranges from burning rocket fuel (as in traditional rockets) to ionized xenon (ion engines).

Definietly not. I have Asperger's syndrome and I'm currently studying a Physics with Astrophysics course. It's not too difficult.

Usually no, as astronomy requires a lot of physics, and physics involves maths. Get a tutor or have extra practice sessions to improve your skills at both.

No, you need to go to school for astronomy.

You have to complete the necessary steps to become an astronomer, as described in the article. If you are an advanced enough student to be able to skip a grade or two, you might be able to complete your education a little faster and start a little earlier than most people. However, the process will take years either way. Be patient.

National Geographic Magazine has some very good information about black holes in it's article, "The truth about black holes". Also, read some good articles and books that cover black hole energy and time tunnels, this answer is insufficient space-wise to allow for a complete answer.

Read books related to space and the universe. This will lead to an increase in your curiosity in the field of astronomy.

The U.S. would be a top choice, especially with NASA being located here, but you could really be an astronomer in just about any country.

You should take physics and maths. Chemistry and computer science are also be good choices.

You'll need high grades in math and science classes (especially Physics).

For professional astronomy, definitely. Most "astronomy" is data processing rather than stargazing. Everything is automated nowadays, with computers taking images of the sky and humans analyzing them.

Do a Ph.D in astrophysics. If astrophysics isn't available, physics would be fine.

If I were in that situation I'd stop trying to do professional astronomy, but I'd still do amateur astronomy in my spare time.

You can ask your friends or teachers who might have information about the subject, or you can ask your parents if they can take you to your local science museum or planetarium and talk to the staff there.

PCM, because math is needed in astronomy.

No, unfortunately. Competition is extremely fierce. NASA tends to only hire the best of the best. SpaceX might take you in if your grades are good enough. Otherwise, go for astronomy.

California and Florida are good. Cape Canaveral, Florida is the best city, because it has a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Center and rocket launch pad.

It would be most unusual to have that high of an IQ, the highest one on record is only 228. But, things you can do to increase your IQ include doing puzzles, learning something new, reading, and doing everyday things differently, like brushing your teeth with your left hand instead of your right!