Applied or pure physics major is best for an astronomy career?

[Neha98]

I'm willing to make postgraduate studies in astronomy or astrophysics so which major is more suitable for me applied or pure phyics?

 

[jedishrfu]

My guess would be applied physics as experiment is taking center stage in LIGO, satellite, Earth based telescopes, and multi-messenger astronomy.

https://www.symmetrymagazine.org/article/rising-stars-of-multi-messenger-astronomy

Having said that though, there would be great interest in folks who understand theory too and can analyze results from these experiments in light of the multi-messenger component ie tying together everything that's seen and then matching it to theory.

Perhaps you should check with your dept profs to see what they think or ask if the have a resource at a major university working in this area.

 

[ZapperZ]

I'm willing to make postgraduate studies in astronomy or astrophysics so which major is more suitable for me applied or pure phyics?

The terms "pure physics" and "applied physics" are not standard terminologies. They have vague meanings, depending on context and institutions.

So if you are referring to your school's program on pure and applied physics, then you must indicate what they are and their differences. Otherwise, we will be using those terms according to our reference frame, which may not necessary match with yours. You should also indicate where you are, and where you are going to school. It gives a bit more clarity and context.

You should also consult your academic advisor. He/she should know even more what applied and pure physics are at your school, and which program will be more suitable for you based on what you intend to do (shouldn't you have this type of conversation already?). You should at least get some idea on how many people from your school who went on to do astronomy/astrophysics, and which path they took.

Zz.