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Astronomy/Can you please guide me towards the right path?

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Expert: Steven LJ Russo - 12/30/2006


Question
I am in the 8th grade and ever since i was little i have wanted to learn something new about space and deep space. now that i am older i want to start studying about astronomy and i would like to know what i should be good at to excel at it!! i know math and science, but like what in science and math do i need to know?? and is there anything else i should concentrate on?? please help me begin my future in the correct path! thanks

Answer
Rachel:

Astronomy is a science that has ALL the other science in it; Geology, Meteorology, physics, Chemistry, and even Biology. Depending upon how far you want to go in Astronomy, you may also meed Algebra, geometry, and Calculus.

I knew that I wanted to do Astronomy in a planetarium, where a lot of deep math is not needed.  I did take Geometry, and also Geology, meteorology, some physics, and some chemistry.  But I took very littly Biology, and NO Calculus.

Steve

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Steven LJ Russo

Expertise

As a space science educator in a planetarium, my work centers around teaching people about the night sky and the solar system. I have a strong background in those areas, plus the history of NASA and spaceflight, and meteorology.

Experience

Experience in the area. I have been an amateur astronomer for 47 years, and have been teachng space science in planetariums for 34 years. For 15 years I was a radio and television meteorologist, and for the past 20 years I have been a space science writer for two newspapers in New York State. I am a member of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society and the International Planetarium Society. I have had a number of articles published in several astronomy journals, including "The Constellation" and the "Planetarian". Education/Credentials. I hold a B. S. from Wagner College and an M. S. from State University of New York at Oswego. Awards and Honors. I have been awarded the "Fellows" award from the International Planetarium Society for more than 20 years of continuous service in the planetarium field.

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