- Anderson Chung
Astronomy
What is Astronomy?
Astronomy is the study of the sun, moon, stars, planets, comets, gas, galaxies, gas, dust and other non-Earthly bodies and phenomena.
What do astronomers study?
There are two types of astronomers, which are observational astronomers and theoretical astronomers. Observational astronomers make direct observations of celestial objects and analyse the data. While theoretical astronomers are those who create and investigate models of things that cannot be observed. In addition, astronomers can also be called astrophysicists and astronomy professors.
The four subfields of Astronomy?
Astrophysics :
Observational astrophysics focuses on recording data by using telescopes and other astronomical equipment to observe celestial objects.
Theoretical astrophysics focuses on creating theoretical models and figuring out the observational implications and consequences of those models.
Astrogeology :
Astrogeology can be viewed as the parent science of the Earth sciences, It is very much like the Earth sciences, but for other bodies in our solar system. Astrogeology focuses on the geology of the planets and their moons, asteroids, comets, and meteorites.
There are special names for different planets :
Heliology - the study of the Sun
Hermeology - the study of Mercury
Cytherology - the study of Venus
Selenology - the study of the Moon
Areology - the study of Mars
Zenology - the study of Jupiter
Kronology - the study of Saturn
Uranology - the study of Uranus
Poseidology - the study of Neptune
Hedeology - the study of Pluto
Astrometry :
Astrometry is the branch of astronomy that focuses on the precise measurement of where stars and other celestial bodies are positioned and move in space. It is the oldest scientific method used to map and detect the positions and movements of extrasolar planets.
Another aspect of astrometry is error correction, as there are a few factors that can introduce errors into the measurement of a star’s position.
Astrobiology :
Astrobiology is the branch of astronomy that focuses on the search for life outside Earth. It is the study of the origin, evolution, distribution and future of life in the universe, and considers the question of whether extraterrestrial life exists, and if it does, how humans can detect it.
10 most popular jobs that are related to astronomy
Senior technical writer
National average salary : $80,621
About their work : A successful career in technical writing is heavily supported by expert-level knowledge in a particular subject. Professionals with an astronomy degree may choose to work as technical writers. Besides writing research and grant proposals, they collaborate with research scientists to write peer reviews and critiques that guide research in the field.
College Professor
National average salary : $83,997
About their work : Those with astronomy degrees may choose to work in an academic environment, as they have the credentials to teach at a college level. Depending on their research speciality, these college professors may teach a variety of classes related to astronomy and physics like biophysics, cosmology, observational astronomy and physics education research. They often have an additional role serving as chairs of the department. Besides teaching, they work to develop high-impact research programs using university resources and research facilities.
Planetarium director
National average salary : $85,489
About their work : Natural-born leaders with an astronomy degree will thrive as directors of planetariums or planetary museums. Museum directors in this field, also known as curators, have a passion for science and often strong connections with those in the aerospace community. Directors typically have distinguished scientific careers in which they use their extensive knowledge of the industry and strengths as researchers to guide the museum's mission. They oversee and direct museum exhibitions and may work with other personnel to secure the museum's artifacts.
Meteorologist
National average salary : $85,589
About their work : Astronomy jobs include those of a meteorologist, who studies Earth's atmosphere to forecast weather conditions. They are expertly trained in using mathematical and physical formulations to generate their findings. The main duties of a meteorologist include recording, analyzing and interpreting data from global weather stations, satellites and other instruments. They provide the results of their findings to government agencies, private sectors and broadcast companies who use the information to make informed decisions.
Research scientist
National average salary : $87,849
About their work : Research scientists are critical thinkers with technical skills who work in a variety of astronomy subfields. They work in labs and for agencies to conduct research designed to accomplish an important common goal. The nature of scientific research offers independent and collaborative environments. When research scientists are ready, they present their findings at scientific meetings and in peer-reviewed articles of industry publications.
Climatologist
National average salary : $94,110
About their work : Careers in climatology involve a focus on long-term weather patterns in specific areas. Climatologists are problem-solvers who examine the factors that influence the weather over many decades, which is often based on a 30-year cycle. They can be found collecting soil samples, analyzing data and presenting their research to the community. Climatologists may work as weather forecasters or developers of new measurement tools.
Aeronautical engineer
National average salary : $99,796
About their work : Behind every spaceship and satellite is an aeronautical engineer who designed its structure and operating functions. Beyond the spacecraft, these engineers also design the space mission itself. Aeronautical engineers possess expert-level knowledge of several key components of space exploration. They must understand how a rocket's design and propulsion will interact with the Earth's gravitational pull and orbit, as well as the environment in space.
Astronomer
National average salary : $111,090
About their work : Astronomers study the universe and support their research with math and physics. The array of specialities in astronomy include radio, solar, stellar, planetary, galactic and extragalactic astronomy, and cosmology.
Astrophysicist
National average salary : $119,580
About their work : The role of an astrophysicist can encompass a variety of tasks related to the analysis of objects in space and the creation of theories about them. Astrophysicists use their extensive knowledge of physics and advanced mathematical skills to test their theories of astronomical relationships and understand the laws of the universe. They must perform administrative work related to their findings. They also write grants to fund their projects, create scientific presentations and publish scholarly articles for industry-related publications.
Physicist
National average salary : $125,280
About their work : Physicists are well-rounded scientists who possess a natural curiosity. They are often employed by universities performing scholarly research, though others may pursue specialized fields like astrophysics and quantum mechanics. They often work with astronomers to conduct research that explains how different forms of energy and matter interact. They may focus on a particular area of study and research the laws that govern time and space. Their extensive knowledge helps develop technological advancements and special devices.
Astrology
The zodiac signs
Who invented zodiac signs?
One of the very first concepts of astrology, the 12 zodiac signs, were created by the Babylonians in 1894 BC. The Babylonians lived in Babylon, one of the most famous ancient Mesopotamian cities, which is roughly where modern-day Iraq is.
Why do people believe in zodiac signs?
According to psychologists, there are several reasons. Human beings constantly seek narratives to help weave their past, present, and future together through their goals and expectations. Studies also show that people often turn to astrology in response to stress and anxiety.
The twelve zodiac signs
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Capricorn
Aquarius
Pisces
Aries
How was the zodiac originally determined?
Zodiac signs were originally determined by which constellation the Sun was “in” on the day you were born. Early astronomers observed the Sun traveling through the signs of the Zodiac in one year, spending about a month in each. Thus, they calculated that each constellation extends 30 degrees across the ecliptic.
Education requirement for astronomers
High School Requirements for Astronomy
The University of Kansas Department of Physics and Astronomy recommends high school students take as many math and science courses as they can. The most important courses are physics, pre-calculus, and calculus.
Astronomy degrees you’ll need
Astronomy subjects include Physical Astronomy, Differential Equations, Vector Calculus, Linear Algebra, Quantum Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Electricity & Magnetism , Computers or Computer Programming. With all those course, what you need is to graduate school.
