Is it worth studying Aerospace engineering for Astronomy?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of studying Aerospace Engineering for someone aspiring to become an Astrophysicist. Participants explore the relationship between the two fields, the potential career paths, and the implications of pursuing one over the other.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong passion for both Astrophysics and Aerospace Engineering and questions whether pursuing a Master's in Aerospace Engineering would be beneficial for a career in Astrophysics.
  • Another participant asserts that being an Aerospace Engineer and an Astrophysicist are distinct career paths, suggesting that a degree in Aerospace Engineering may not provide direct benefits for a career in Astrophysics.
  • Some participants speculate that while Aerospace Engineering may not directly contribute to becoming an Astrophysicist, it could lead to opportunities in related fields, such as labs or telescope projects.
  • Concerns are raised about the job market for Astrophysicists, with one participant noting that engineering offers a broader range of employment opportunities compared to Astrophysics, which may require extensive education and publishing without guaranteed compensation.
  • There is a reiteration that if one does not enjoy engineering, pursuing it solely for job security may lead to dissatisfaction.
  • A participant inquires about the original poster's undergraduate background, seeking more context for their decision-making process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between Aerospace Engineering and Astrophysics, with no consensus on whether studying Aerospace Engineering is beneficial for a career in Astrophysics. Some emphasize the distinct nature of the two fields, while others suggest potential overlaps.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about career prospects and personal satisfaction in engineering versus astrophysics, which may not be universally applicable. The perspectives shared are based on individual experiences and opinions rather than established facts.

Gjmdp
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I want to be an astrophysicist. Physics and Astronomy are my passions, my love. But, I also love Aerospace engineering, and there's no way I can just have this passion as a mere hobby. So, do you think that studying a Master on Aerospace engineering will be worth for being an Astrophysicist (PhD) or just a loss of time?
 
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Gjmdp said:
there's no way I can just have this passion as a mere hobby.

Not sure what your plans are, but an Aerospace engineer is not an Astrophysicist, and vice-versa.

Taken from the internet -

Astrophysics is a branch of space science that applies the laws of physics and chemistry to explain the birth, life and death of stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae and other objects in the universe.

Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned with the development of aircraft and spacecraft .

IMO if you want to be one, a degree in the other is not likely to be of much direct career benefit.
 
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True, for being a successful Astrophysicist, Aerospace engineering may not be quite useful. Nevertheless, it may get you into something related to both fields (labs, telescope projects...) within this very competitive world. This are especulations. I don't know for sure. Do you, guys :) ?
 
My $0.02 only. Engineering is a high probability employment option. Astrophysics will likely require lots and lots of education, plus publishing... and not really garner fair compensation. Lots of companies can find a reason to hire an engineer (even one without direct qualifications ie you might be offered work in Machine design), but not many companies are going to hire an Astrophysicist. period.. Perhaps some academic position may open up, but even there, the feeling might be, "he will certainly leave us, even mid term if something better crops up" AND they would be correct, because you could NOT risk the chance of not jumping on better, because with an Astrophysics degree, only so many opportunities are out there, vs engineering has a wider selection.
.
However, truth be told, if you can't love engineering, you shouldn't make yourself miserable just because it pays.
 
CalcNerd said:
My $0.02 only. Engineering is a high probability employment option. Astrophysics will likely require lots and lots of education, plus publishing... and not really garner fair compensation. Lots of companies can find a reason to hire an engineer (even one without direct qualifications ie you might be offered work in Machine design), but not many companies are going to hire an Astrophysicist. period.. Perhaps some academic position may open up, but even there, the feeling might be, "he will certainly leave us, even mid term if something better crops up" AND they would be correct, because you could NOT risk the chance of not jumping on better, because with an Astrophysics degree, only so many opportunities are out there, vs engineering has a wider selection.
.
However, truth be told, if you can't love engineering, you shouldn't make yourself miserable just because it pays.
Does that mean I should go into those 2 fields for being sure of getting job or that I'd better move on engineering?
 
Are you already done with undergrad? What was it in?
 
Grinkle said:
Not sure what your plans are, but an Aerospace engineer is not an Astrophysicist, and vice-versa.

Taken from the internet -

Astrophysics is a branch of space science that applies the laws of physics and chemistry to explain the birth, life and death of stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae and other objects in the universe.

Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned with the development of aircraft and spacecraft .

IMO if you want to be one, a degree in the other is not likely to be of much direct career benefit.
You missed Top Gun, I see. :).
 
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