What physics and math needed to start some research in astronomy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the prerequisites for engaging in research in astronomy, particularly from a high school perspective. Participants explore the necessary levels of math and physics, resources for self-study, and programming skills relevant to simulations and data analysis in astronomy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines their current educational path, including plans to take physics with calculus and expresses interest in cosmology and high-energy astrophysics.
  • Another participant inquires about recommended computer programming languages for simulations, mentioning Python and FORTRAN.
  • A suggestion is made to read "Thinking like a computer scientist python" as a resource for learning Python.
  • Participants discuss the availability of NASA's databases for research, noting that these contain images and spectroscopic analyses.
  • There is a question about the level of math and physics required to utilize NASA's data for astronomical research, with a response indicating that basic math skills may suffice if one can organize the data effectively.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the usefulness of NASA's databases and the importance of programming skills, but there is no consensus on the specific levels of math and physics required for effective research.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the varying levels of math and physics knowledge among participants and the lack of detailed information on specific resources or textbooks that would be most beneficial for astronomy research.

Who May Find This Useful

High school students interested in pursuing astronomy research, educators looking for resources to guide students, and individuals seeking to understand the foundational skills needed for astronomical studies.

andrewkg
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Alright well I am in high school so my resources are limited as far as sophisticated telescope. Although I can ask around via email to see if there is any way to find time on more sophisticated technology. As far as what levels of math and physics I am at next fall I will be taking fundamentals of physics with calculus 1/2, for math calculus 2 and calculus 3 and possibly astronomy 1/2. I can study on my own as well I have a text on astronomy. I know of a few good texts on astrophysics, high energy astrophysics and osculations and waves. What I mainly want to know is what are the levels of each that I will need. Which math books which physics and astronomy books etc. Also my preferred area would be cosmological or high energy areas such as GRBs. I do understand that this is all a far shot and I should wait until college, but I just want to get an idea of what is needed. There is also a science fair that I would like to enter two years from now that I would like to start on.
 
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Also does anyone know of what computer languages I should learn for simulations. I've read python and FORTRAN are ok. Does anyone know of a good way to learn the basics in these.
 
google "Thinking like a computer scientist python". It's a great read.
 
Which site there was several sites? Or is it the purple book with a bird?
 
yeah the purple book with the bird. You can download a free PDF from the website (fully legit). Python is a great language to learn programming and it's used all over the place.
 
Sweet thank you. Do you know of any good compilers for python?
 
That's awesome. Thank you again.
 
You can do all kinds of research/analysis using NASA's databases. There are images, spectroscopic analyses, and other goodies hidden there. You don't need your own telescope - we have our own, and they are pretty good ones.
 
  • #10
Really! Well that's perfect. Is it just raw data or is it from peoples research?
And do you know of what level of math and physics is needed to use this data for actual astronomical research?
 
  • #11
andrewkg said:
Really! Well that's perfect. Is it just raw data or is it from peoples research?
And do you know of what level of math and physics is needed to use this data for actual astronomical research?
You don't need a lot. What you will need is the time to mine the data and put it together in a form that allows it to be used. If you can get a lot of data into a tabular format, there is a lot that you can do with it, even with only basic math/dB tools.
 

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