- #1
Dei
- 3
- 0
Hi, I am a recent high school graduate, and my whole life I have been interested in astronomy. I have always stared in marvel at the night skies and read various books about constellations, etc. When my parents bought a telescope, that only spiked my interest further! I have, also, gained an interest in physics throughout high school. Of course, this lead to my interest in astrophysics and astronomy.
Because of my interest in becoming an astrophysicist, I have been studying physics independently and keeping an astronomy journal of my various observances of celestial bodies/events with my telescope. My reasoning for doing so has been to make sure that my interest didn't subside (to avoid switching majors in school).
Anyway, I have a couple of questions. Please bear with me. :)
1. With the information that I provided, do you think that I should study astrophysics or astronomy? I know that are closely related, but (to my understanding) astronomers do more of the observation and astrophysicists do more analytical work. I, personally, want to be able to observe AND analyze. Is that any way to do this?
2. Are the two fields both practical in terms of salary. No, I'm not in it for the money. Please don't get that impression of me. What I mean is: Can I make a living of of these degrees without having to live paycheck to paycheck?
3. Is a PhD useless? I want to go for a PhD, but I have read other forum posts that they are a waste of time. That kind of discourages me, but I wouldn't want to waste my time doing something that isn't needed.
4. What jobs are available to you besides being a professor (with and without PhD), and how hard is it to work with NASA? I heard the amount of jobs in astrophysics versus the competition makes it hard to get jobs in that area. Apparently, that causes most astrophysicists go into engineering.
5. As for schooling: as far as I understand you go to school for physics and get your bachelors degree. Then, you go to graduate school where you focus on a specific field. Is that correct? Also, I heard that graduate school is usually paid for if you become a professor. How does that work?
6. Is there any way I can tour NASA, a school, an institution, etc. to look at their labs and speak with astrophysicists/astronomers? Also, are there any of you who currently work or study as an astrophysicist or astronomer who could to speak with me more about what you do, so I can gain a deeper understanding?
Thank you for your time! Even an answer to just one of these questions would be great! :)
Because of my interest in becoming an astrophysicist, I have been studying physics independently and keeping an astronomy journal of my various observances of celestial bodies/events with my telescope. My reasoning for doing so has been to make sure that my interest didn't subside (to avoid switching majors in school).
Anyway, I have a couple of questions. Please bear with me. :)
1. With the information that I provided, do you think that I should study astrophysics or astronomy? I know that are closely related, but (to my understanding) astronomers do more of the observation and astrophysicists do more analytical work. I, personally, want to be able to observe AND analyze. Is that any way to do this?
2. Are the two fields both practical in terms of salary. No, I'm not in it for the money. Please don't get that impression of me. What I mean is: Can I make a living of of these degrees without having to live paycheck to paycheck?
3. Is a PhD useless? I want to go for a PhD, but I have read other forum posts that they are a waste of time. That kind of discourages me, but I wouldn't want to waste my time doing something that isn't needed.
4. What jobs are available to you besides being a professor (with and without PhD), and how hard is it to work with NASA? I heard the amount of jobs in astrophysics versus the competition makes it hard to get jobs in that area. Apparently, that causes most astrophysicists go into engineering.
5. As for schooling: as far as I understand you go to school for physics and get your bachelors degree. Then, you go to graduate school where you focus on a specific field. Is that correct? Also, I heard that graduate school is usually paid for if you become a professor. How does that work?
6. Is there any way I can tour NASA, a school, an institution, etc. to look at their labs and speak with astrophysicists/astronomers? Also, are there any of you who currently work or study as an astrophysicist or astronomer who could to speak with me more about what you do, so I can gain a deeper understanding?
Thank you for your time! Even an answer to just one of these questions would be great! :)