Do i have to be good at math to work in the field of astronomy?

Question

I am obsessed with anyhting that involves space or the universe and i love to stargaze, and i know that i want to have a career that involves using a telescope and discovering the wonders of the universe. Although im not the best at mathematics, so can i still be involved in this kind of field?
Thanks.

Answer 1

There are no longer any jobs that would enable you to paintings in astronomy examine without more desirable math. those jobs require a PhD in astronomy or physics, and normally 6-8 undergraduate and graduate arithmetic courses. Cosmology is a stressful technological know-how field, in certainty extra physics than astronomy at this element, and demands a number of the main confusing math (differential geometry and topology). Philosophy does no longer require math, and is not any longer a technological know-how or taken heavily via scientists while philosophers initiate speaking technological know-how. considering maximum of them do no longer understand plenty/any math, they do no longer probably understand what they are speaking approximately in technological know-how considering they not at all fairly studied it. there is not any actual distinction between astronomy and astrophysics anymore. All astronomers could be able to apply math and physics to help their paintings.

Answer 2

You have several good answers, which we can elaborate on slightly. My own experience is as follows. In High School, I majored in physics, and took extra courses in linear algebra and calculus 1 & 2. These are the basic requirements to enter almost any astronomy program. I am by no stretch of the imagination, a mathematician, though I can handle the level of maths I require to do my job, teaching post grad astronomy and researching theoretical physics. Any degree less than a PhD will probably restrict you to posts such as observatory technician or possibly teaching High School, as almost all professorial posts require a PhD. However, Geoff G gives good advice. Almost uniquely in the sciences, amateur astronomers are vital to the work of the astronomy community as a whole, and without their meticulous observational work, those of us who are professionals could not do our part of the job properly. It really is that close a partnership. Good luck in whatever you decide. I can assure you it is very worthwhile, and something I would not change!

Answer 3

Realistically, it's hard enough getting a job in the field of astronomy with a PHD, let alone a bachelors degree, much less doing it without a degree at all (which without math is what you'll have to try to do). If you're not willing to tackle calculus in the near future, you're better off pursuing astronomy on your own time and looking into something else to pay the bills. I know that sucks to hear, but that's how it is.

Answer 4

Do i have to be good at math to work in the field of astronomy?



That's a bit like asking "Do I have to be good at English to work in the field of journalism?"

Although you don't need to know how to write to describe events, you'll be severely limited in by not knowing how to do so.





im not the best at mathematics,



You don't need to be the best. You just need to know enough.





What kind of math or science would i be doing?



Mostly algebra and calculus.

Mostly mechanics (including special relativity in some situations), electrodynamics/optics, thermodynamics and statistical physics, maybe some nuclear physics.

Answer 5

Here's a couple of sources that might be useful:



MathTutorDVD.com

http://mathtutordvd.com/



The Great Courses

http://www.thegreatcourses.com/



You might think about trying these DVD courses. The Math Instructor at MathTutorDVD, Jason, can teach you to be an expert at math and physics.



Best regards

Answer 6

Math is a fundamental tool of astronomy. Do you have to be good with a hammer to drive in a nail? It would be a lot easier for you if you were good at math.

Answer 7

To have any sort of professional job in astronomy, you need a thorough grounding in mathematics. However, anyone can be an unpaid amateur astronomer, which requires very little mathematics.

Answer 8

Yes, math is the core of all sciences. Get a tutor and accept the challenge.

Answer 9

yes math is science. its a high level career so it might require a high level math.

Answer 10

arithmetic, algebra, geometry, Trigonometry, elementary analysis, Calculus, Differential equations, partial differential equations, discrete mathematics, and i'm just warming up.

Answer 11

To an extent, less so than other science professions, but you still have to know a fair amount of mathematics.