Some astronomers study distant stars, galaxies, and phenomena such as neutron stars and black holes, and others monitor space debris that could interfere with satellite operations.
Many physicists and astronomers work in basic research with the aim of increasing scientific knowledge. These researchers may attempt to develop theories that better explain what gravity is or how the universe works or was formed.
Other physicists and astronomers work in applied research. They use the knowledge gained from basic research to effect new developments in areas such as energy storage, electronics, communications, navigation, and medical technology. Astronomers and physicists typically work on research teams together with engineers, technicians, and other scientists.
Some senior astronomers and physicists may be responsible for assigning tasks to other team members and monitoring their progress. They may also be responsible for finding funding for their projects and therefore may need to write applications for research funding.
Experimental physicists develop new equipment or sensors to study properties of matter, create theories, and test them through experiments.
Theoretical and computational physicists develop new theories that can predict properties of materials, or describe unexplained experimental results. Although all of physics involves the same fundamental principles, physicists generally specialize in one of many subfields. The following are examples of types of physicists:. Astrophysicists study the physics of the universe. Atomic, molecular, and optical physicists study atoms, simple molecules, electrons, and light, as well as the interactions among them.
Some look for ways to control the states of individual atoms, because such control might allow for further miniaturization or might contribute toward the development of new materials or computer technology. To see a list of all the research that goes on in our department, click here. Students can take advantage of all the courses our department offers through one of two majors:.
Our undergraduates have the opportunity to work closely with the faculty. The ability to do research as part of their degree gives our students the chance to take part in the process of discovery, first hand. Students needn't travel far to experience the wonders of the Universe, as we operate two observatories locally:. Many astronomers at NRAO are adjunct faculty in the department. An Astronomy major gains skills in a wide range of fields including physics, math, computer science, critical thinking, and problem solving.
For this reason, astronomy and physics majors are prepared for many careers, both inside and outside the physical sciences. Astronomy students often go on to graduate school or find a job related to astronomy, but astronomy majors are qualified for a wide range of positions related to engineering, mathematics, computer science, and environmental science. Many students also go on to study law or medicine or enter the world of business or education.
Astronomy is a close-knit field where you will get the opportunity to work with many people. Student news. Going to university? Already at college? We have useful and regularly updated features for students at all stages of their education.
Help and advice. Skip to main content. Kyungpook National University Video. Politecnico di Milano Video. Nankai University Video. Hofstra University Video. In fact, astronomy is a challenging science, but not because the universe is inaccessible in the conventional sense. Rather, astronomers must apply equal measures of analytic thinking and imagination, logic and intuition, to answer the most fundamental questions about the cosmos: What are stars and planets?
How did they evolve? Why does the night sky look the way it does? Does life exist among the stars? How did the universe get here? How will it end?
If astronomy seems a rigorous science, it's because the objective of astronomers is nothing less than to understand the nature of the universe. It takes a special person to pursue this objective; one who likes to challenge and be challenged.
Decisions made in high school can have a big effect on a science career. Generally, students who take mathematics or science courses after the tenth grade have the best chance of successfully pursuing a science or engineering career. Although most colleges require at least one year of high school science and two years of high school mathematics, this minimum background is insufficient for students planning to major in science.
A better approach is to complete math through pre-calculus in high school. This gives students who plan to major in astronomy or physics the necessary grounding in mathematics needed to start their science courses as soon as they begin college.
Both chemistry and physics courses are also strongly recommended in high school as adequate preparation for the first year of college.
Students are also encouraged to get involved in high school science groups, state junior academies of science, and local amateur astronomy clubs. There are literally thousands of such organizations in the United States. College undergraduates planning careers in astronomy must obtain a solid foundation in physics and mathematics.
An astronomy major with a strong background in physics, or a physics major with some astronomy coursework, should have a sufficient foundation in physics and math to seek a graduate program in astronomy. Specifically, a student planning to go on to graduate school in astronomy should have had physics courses covering electricity and magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and quantum theory.
0コメント