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do you need chemistry in astronomy?

Mairead-loves-stars

By Mairead-loves-stars
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glowjet

glowjet

Posted
Posted

Hi Mairead and welcome to SGL, Chemistry has its place in Astronomy along with other sciences, it would be very difficult to determine the chemical composition of the stars and heavenly bodies without it. If you are very keen on an Astronomical career, then go for it. Astronomy is just not looking through big telescopes, there are many facets of the science, some that you might really take too and want to specialise in, once you become involved in the subject, whatever you do, I wish you every success :) 

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DRT

DRT

Posted
Posted

sorry! my keyboard doesn't work very well :/ thanks for all of the advice; i thought astronomy people would like astrology?

Hi Mairead,

Welcome to SGL and welcome to Astronomy.

Others have commented on the differences and connections between Astrology and Astronomy and some have given you quite strong opinions. One thing I would add to the advice above is that you are young enough to make up your own mind about this and lots of other stuff rather than just believing everything you read on a forum that is dedicated to one particular topic. Learn about Astrology in places where others are knowledgable and passionate about it. Learn about Astronomy in places like SGL. Then decide for yourself whether you are passionate about one, the other or both :wink:

Good luck with all those exams!

Derek

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DRT

DRT

Posted
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I'm 13 and im REALLY into astrology and im started to get into astronomy.

I think it is a bit unfair that a 13 year old girl who has openly stated (and emphasised) that she has a particular interest in a subject that has led her to come here to ask for help about Astronomy is having her primary interest ridiculed and/or dismissed by some of the posters in this thread.

Come on guys, show the girl a bit of respect and encouragement for being brave enough and interested enough to post here asking for our help.

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Kropster

Kropster

Posted
Posted

I think it only right that the truth about these subjects is pointed out.

It would be misleading to pretend that Astrology is a serious subject just to appease those who tout it as a proper subject worthy of study.

Not to do so is a dereliction of our obligation to young people seeking genuine advice and guidance.

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DRT

DRT

Posted
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It would be misleading to pretend that Astrology is a serious subject just to appease those who tout it as a proper subject worthy of study.

You don't have to pretend about anything, you only have to accept that it is not only your opinion that is the truth. I don't believe in Astrology; I don't believe in religion; I don't believe that eating salad is a good idea: but I don't foist my opinion on those who do and claim my view to be the only truth.

So long as they are causing no harm or distress to others there is room on this planet for everyone. We don't all have to believe or be interested in the same things.

The question was "do I need chemistry to study Astronomy?" - the answer to that doesn't need to criticise or dismiss the poster's other interests.

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JamesM

JamesM

Posted
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As this is an astronomy forum, it is probably a good idea to help Malread in the area that we have most expertise rather than debate the rights and wrongs of other areas of interest. I am sure you will all agree with me that we have an opportunity here to help a young person take their passion to the next level rather than to distract and dissipate her enthusiasm with personal debates on other subjects.


 


Thank you in anticipation of your cooperation.


 


James


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michael.h.f.wilkinson

michael.h.f.wilkinson

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As others have noted, professional astronomy is not much about looking through scopes. Studying astronomy at university (I did, and have an MSc in the subject) is much the same as studying physics. If you are good at physics and maths at school, and enjoy these subjects (!) you should do well studying astronomy. Quite a few, but but not all by far, students of astronomy end up as professional astronomers at universities. Many more find jobs elsewhere. The good foundation in maths and physics means you can fill many other jobs. I left the field for computer science (computer vision and image analysis in particular), but still collaborate professionally with the astronomy institute, and frequently add my scopes to their arsenal during open days at uni (and generally pick up half a dozen objects in the sky before they have finished aligning their goto scopes :D). Amateur and professional astronomy are very different pursuits, but we all share a passion for trying to understand what is up there, and where we fit into the general picture (an invisible dot on an invisible dot ;)). There is also a lot of excellent collaboration between amateurs and professionals, with both sharing information freely.

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Jim Steele

Jim Steele

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For astronomy related courses I would choose mathematics and physics.

You need good grades particularly in maths as a lot of physics is applied maths particularly when you delve into planetary or astro sciences.

Astrology, I would imagine needs a completely different course set ;)

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bmc

bmc

Posted
Posted

hi Mairead, firstly a warm welcome to SGL. 

I would suggest Physics and math would enable your path to professional astronomy. though you clearly have a natural curiosity that will push and guide you to making the choices appropriate to your needs and future desires. 

as mentioned prior, for all your astronomy queries, this site will serve you right. there is a vast wealth of knowledge to be shared.

as for your astrology questions, i would advise to seek answers elsewhere. as these two subjects do not marry well together, and in fact conflict.

and as you refine your own knowledge base, i'm sure you will reach a conclusion that will suit your out look. as we do as we grow and find an understanding of our life, surroundings and our universe as we know it.

you are making the right start, looking up and asking questions. 

clear skies.

Bernie.

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Digger1895

Digger1895

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Hi Mairead,

as others as said to get into serious astronomy to a level to make a career out of it the main areas of study would be maths and physics. However a high level of knowledge in most areas of science is also required, including chemistry. Chemistry is important when looking into such things as the evolution of the universe and the life cycle of different stars.

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Paul M

Paul M

Posted
Posted

Perhaps the OP has changed tack?

She hasn't logged in since the day after asking her question - 29th August.

Still, it's been a useful thread. I've decided I did the right thing in not becoming an astronomer...

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