I want to be an astronomer, BUT IM BAD AT MATHS!!!?

Question

I want to be an astronomer, BUT IM BAD AT MATHS!!!?

Answer 1

Astronomers basically have a modified physics degree - you need calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and a lot of math for physicists. You don't have to love math, but you do need to be good at it. Hopefully you can get better as you work at it.



There aren't a ton of jobs for astronomers even if you have a PhD in the subject (and you'll need one) so don't major in it unless you really can't see yourself doing anything else. It doesn't pay very well considering how long you'll spend in school either.

Answer 2

At their highest levels of study, physics, chemistry, and astronomy are all very math intensive. If being an astronomer is your dream, understand that you will need to work very hard on mastering your skills in math. You are 14 and have plenty of time, but know that strong math skills are required for a career in any field of science.

Answer 3

I doubled majored in astronomy and physics as an undergraduate, and while my astronomy grades were excellent, my physics grades were poor (with the exception of a few courses that I was extremely interested in). Not ALL aspects of astronomy require heavy duty math (i.e., tons of calculus, if that's what you're thinking)---I am a spectroscopist and don't do much in the way of math. Computer programs do the hard work for us these days! :) And a lot of the math in astronomy textbooks isn't that scary or complex once you understand them---they can just look a little imposing at first! So don't get too discouraged if you're not a math and physics genius, because there's still a lot you can do in astronomy---I wasn't a math genius, but now I'm in graduate school (got accepted by three of the schools that I applied to) and I'm being paid by a NASA fellowship, so everything worked out fine for me!

Answer 4

Don't give up your dream.



First, why do you think that you are bad at math? Because of your math grades? Maybe the problem is not you, but the environment (the teacher, the group, etc.).



You ste using math in physics. Is it hard for you to use math to solve physical problems? If you are doing fine with quantitative problems in physics, your math understanding is probably OK.



You can also test your math skills by taking an independent math test, such as SAT or ACT exploratory test. If you score high, talk to your math department leader about it.



Personally, I have never enjoyed math, and I was able to finish my engineering degree with a 4.0 GPA, and I am currently studying astronomy. For some people, math is a passion, for me, it's just a tool. As long as you can use math effectively as a tool you'll be fine.



Another perspective - Einstein wasn't great at math easier. He used help from a friend (Tullio Levi) to develop the Theory of Relativity. Tulio was the guy who found errors in Einstein's math work and was able to put him on the right track.



So again, don't give up on your dream. You may need to work a bit harder, but it does not mean that you won't be able to make it.

Answer 5

maths are always about + - * / and it is always about simplicity, breakdown, formula and prime number 2. master it. u are mathematician oredi :"P e.g. e=mc2

Answer 6

Sometimes maths can put an astronomer at a disadvantage.

I am an amateur astronomer and have been for over 70 years,I am terrible at math.

Math tells you that a black hole can exist but I know it cannot,if I were a mathematician I would have to accept the existence of an entity that cannot exist.

Answer 7

There's still time to get better at maths.



Can make a big difference to have a good teacher.



At all levels in maths you often find that you just can't make sense of something. But with patience, suddenly one day it will "click" and then that particular type of question becomes easy.



That happened to me many times at school, at university, then when I was doing postgraduate maths research, and continues to this day.



So - yes if you want to be an astronomer, it will surely help to get better at maths. So do continue to try at it and don't worry if you can't seem to get it, keep at it and it will "click".