Astronomy
101
Astronomy is the study of the universe beyond the earth's atmosphere. It includes the
study of planets, stars, black holes, galaxies, and quasars, all of which are fascinating
topics. Astronomers conduct physical studies of stars and stellar systems in the observable
universe. They supply the observational details of positions, fluxes, and spectra to
theoreticians, who then model the evolution and development of objects ranging from
comets and stars to entire galaxies. Recent advances, derived from new technologies,
have yielded instruments of unprecedented power and scope. They include: telescopes
with 10-meter mirrors; orbiting satellite observatories for all parts of the
electromagnetic spectrum; deep space missions to sample planetary atmospheres and
surfaces; huge laboratories, which detect of elusive cosmic neutrinos and gravity waves.
Skills Used
Problem Solving Writing grant proposals
Programming/Computer Work with a team
Knowledge
Analyze Data
Possible Career Pathways
Research
Business
- Aco ustics Physicist
- Navigatio n Equipment
- Bio physicist
Specialist
- Drafting Perso nnel
- Flight Management
- Enviro nmental Co nsultant
Analyst
- Special Effects Artist
- Technical Equipment
Salesperso n
Communications Education & Government
-Techno lo gist
- Carto grapher
- Info rmatio n Specialist
- Co lleges/Scho o ls Teacher
- Newspaper Science Writer - Museum Exhibits Planner
- Inter Stellar
- Planetarium Guide/Lecturer
Co mmunicatio ns Specialist
Others
- Electro nics Research
Scientist
- Industrial Hygienists
- Opto metrist
- Nuclear Engineer
- Geneticist
- Radio grapher
Saint Mary's University
Astronomy and Physics Department
Related Volunteer Organizations
SMU Astronomy and Physics Society
SMU Math and Computing Science Society
Halifax Public Libraries (Information Centre’s)
Dalhousie Tutoring Service
Math and Science Tutors
Helpful Links
Canadian Association of Physicists
http://www.cap.ca
Canadian Astronomy Education
http://www.cascaeducation.ca/files/careers.html
Canadian Astronomical Society
http://www.casca.ca
Astronomy Career Information
http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/careers.php
Institute for Computational Astrophysics (ICA)
http://www.smu.ca/academic/science /ap/ica/welcome.html
American Institute of Physics
http://www.aip.org/
CITA: Canadian Inst. For Theoretical Astrophysics
http://www.cita.utoronto.ca
AGU: American Geophysical Union Space Physics and Aeronomy Section
http://www.agu.org
BAA: British Astronomical Association
http://britastro.org/baa/
CASA: The Centre for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy
http://casa.colorado.edu
American Astronomical Society
http://www.aas.org
American Association of Physicists in Medicine
http://www.aapm.org/main.asp
National Research Council – Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics
http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/rd/nsi/
American Mathematical Society
http://www.ams.org
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
http://www.astrosociety.org
International Astronomical Union
http://www.iau.org
SEDS – Students for the Exploration and Development of Space
http://www.seds.org
CGRO: Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Science Support Center
http://cossc.gsfc.nasa.gov
JPL: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov
NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
http://www.nasa.gov
Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence: SETI Institute
http://www.seti-inst.edu