How Can I Become an Astronomer?
A career in astronomy, the science of studying the universe, can be quite exciting. The best way to become an astronomer is to take coursework through high school and college which will prepare someone for a career in astronomy, although some people start out as adult amateur astronomers and later pursue additional training and certification in the field. Someone who wants to become an astronomer should be aware that employment in the field is quite varied, with most astronomers working in the academic community. For young aspiring astronomers, preparation for a career as an astronomer can start in high school, with a solid grounding of math and science classes. If a high school offers astronomy classes as electives, they should definitely be pursued, along with advanced math and physics. Some high schools have agreements with neighboring colleges which allow high school students to take college classes, which is another option which can be considered for students who want to get a jum
To become an astronomer, you should start by learning what you can about astronomy. Try reading books, visiting educational websites, and watching educational programs about space. In high school, you will need to take as many math and science courses as you can. Try to find the time to really understand what you are learning instead of just memorizing things for a test. It is useful to be good at writing and speaking because astronomers need to be able to write up their findings and present them. It is also a good idea to join an amateur astronomical society so you can learn about the night sky and telescopes and meet other people who are interested in space. Astronomers also need to know how to work on a computer. In college, you should major in physics or astronomy and then go on to a good astronomy graduate school to finish your formal education. After this you can get a job at a university, a space agency like NASA, or at an observatory. Many astronomers teach as well as do resear
