Astronomy is definitely one of the most challenging science careers that you can get into, but it is also quite exciting. Unfortunately, the things that you are studying are in the sky, so you cannot take them into the lab and study them as you can in other fields. The objects that you are studying are millions and billions of light years away. However, if you are a fan of space, this is a great field to get into.
As an astronomer, you will need to use analytical thinking and imagination, as well as logic and intuition, in order to answer the most fundamental questions about the universe. Astronomy is a rigorous science because its fundamental objective is to understand the nature of the universe. You will need to enjoy challenges and trying to answer questions that seem without answer in order to be successful in this field.
If this seems like the career for you, you can start taking actions to be successful as early as your high school years. Generally speaking, a student who takes mathematics or science courses after the tenth grade will have the best chance to be successful in a science or engineering career. Most colleges will require one year of high school science and two years of high school mathematics, but this is not enough for those who plan to go after a major in the sciences. It will be better for you if you take math through pre-calculus in high school. This will give those who plan to major in astronomy or physics a good grounding in mathematics that will be necessary in order to start your science courses as soon as you begin your college career. It is also a good idea to take both physics and chemistry classes in high school as preparation for your first year of college. Although it is not mandatory, many successful students will also have taken advanced placement calculus and physics classes. You should also seek out astronomy or science clubs while in high school so you can get your feet wet in the field.
While in college, in order to be successful in astronomy, you should have a solid foundation in physics and mathematics. As an astronomy major with a strong background in physics, or as a physics major with strong astronomy coursework, you will have a good background to help you get into a good graduate program in astronomy. If you plan to go on to graduate school (almost mandatory in order to break into the field), you should have taken physics courses that cover the following specific disciplines: electricity and magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and quantum theory. In some astronomy specialties, you may want to do some coursework in geology or chemistry. Since the field also requires you to be able to communicate effectively, don’t neglect to take courses in writing and the humanities.
Today, computer science is a part of all facets of astronomy. The use of supercomputers has allowed astronomers to simulate and study things that in years past were only open to conjecture and guesswork. Especially for those who want to work in theoretical astronomy, you will want to have a good grounding in computer science.
Most of the astronomy positions will require a Ph.D. degree, and this will take five to six years of graduate work. The astronomer usually works independent, finding problems and working to solve them.
