Expert: Tom Whiting - 1/29/2009

Question
Hello, I'm a 9th grader at Laguna-Acoma High School and I'm wondering, if i want to become a Stellar Astronomer what classes do i have to take to pursue my dream?

Answer
Hi Adriann,
I see on the map that you are located about 50 miles west of
ABQ out I-40 where there are some small towns and probably very
dark skies away from I-40...which I were there as back east, it's
light pollution city.

I'm not sure what you mean by 'stellar astronomer' because I guess
by definition, all astronomers work with stars or products of stars.

Ok, I'll be honest.....
Professional astronomy is one of the toughest fields to get into.
Astronomy as a single course is not taught in the public schools,
and not too many colleges major in...what really is astrophysics,
so really you want to be an astrophysicist.  So it's best to take
all the science courses that your school offers....math (2 years
algebra, trig, plane geometry, and pre-calculus), physics (all you
can get at your school) and chemistry.  Typically a lot of the
western colleges offer astrophysics. I know that right next door
to you the University of Arizona is big on that subject. In addition
most professional astronomy positions require a Doctorate degree,
or be working on it...as the competition is so keen. So that's basically the route you have to go, all the way to a Doctorate
degree in the subject.  Sorry, but that's just the way it works
for professional astronomy positions, as there are so few positions.

As an alternative, say a planetarium director... requires at least
typically a BS in physics or astronomy if that is your interest.

As an additional alternative, you can do what I did....since I knew right away that I wouldn't be able to do it, I decided to become an amateur astronomer. They do almost as good work in the research field as the professionals, they just don't get paid, and they typically have to purchase their own equipment. But this is an alternative way to participate if you have the money, while you work another job to earn a living.  It's probably the only hobby and
activity (other than fossil diggings) that you can contribute as an amateur almost as much as the professional.  (You've never heard of an amateur chemist or an amateur physicist...they don't exist).

So there are the options in the field. How does one learn astronomy
in highschool since they don't teach it? You have to raid the library
and read all about it on your own, you have to get a star chart or
atlas, go outside at night and learn the night sky yourself
(as most of your teachers don't have any idea of the night sky most
of the time....and really don't even like it...too abstract for them).  So you, like Abe Lincoln, have to do it all on your own,
just like we all had to do.  And join a local astronomy club if there
is one, or if not, why not start one (an astronomy club) among your other friends interested in 'observing' and learning the night sky?
(I had to DO that too, for our region!!)  So there are several ideas
for you.
Hope this helps,
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA