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Why Astronomy is Cool and How to Become an (Observational[1]) Astronomer!

Astronomy is the study of stars, galaxies, life, the Universe and
everything! Ok, maybe not quite, but almost.

Astronomy is one of the most ancient sciences and has contributed many
important tools to society. Calendars were invented by ancient astronomers
and if it weren't for astronomers, modern day digital cameras would not be
around. In fact, Astronomy is fascinating because it puts us, human beings,
in context in the big wide Universe. Did you know that every single person,
every single atom on Earth originates from the Big Bang which occurred
almost 14 billion years ago? That also means that every single one of us
effectively originates from stardust!

Obviously you are all now convinced about how cool astronomy is want
desperately to know how to become an astronomer! Here's how in 7 easy
steps.

1. Study Maths/Physics in High School
2. Do a Science Degree at Uni majoring in Maths, Physics or (if the Uni
offers it) Astronomy (3 years)
3. Do Honours in Astronomy (this is where you start specializing) (1
year)
4. Do a PhD in Astronomy (3+ years)
5. Find a post-doctoral research position (2 - 3 years)
6. Find another post-doctoral research position (2 - 3 years)
7. Find a permanent research position in Astronomy!

Ok, so it is a long and winding path, but it is exciting and incredibly
rewarding. As the wise man said, it's not the destination, but the journey
that counts. Only the destination here is just as rewarding. ( It is
important to note that there are limited jobs in astronomy in Australia,
but by the same token, the skills gleaned from your studies in astronomy
can be applied to many an interesting field!

In case you were still in need of convincing, here are just some of the
awesome perks of being an astronomer:

1. You will get to travel. A lot. As an astronomer (or astronomy student)
you will gather data using telescopes (radio, optical, X-ray etc).
Because these instruments need to be very sensitive (eg. Detecting
torchlight that is being shone from Argentina from the moon etc) most
telescopes are located far from civilization (eg. Hubble is in outer
space). Visiting telescopes takes you to many remote exotic locations
that are otherwise inaccessible allowing you to see truly mind-
bogglingly beautiful sights of the world. (Think volcanoes in Hawaii,
plateaus in Chile, glaciers in Antarctica, unfortunately you can't
visit Hubble.)
2. You have a legitimate reason to own a laser pointer! Please use it
wisely.
3. People think you are fantastically intelligent and fascinating (which
of course you are.)
4. You will be sitting on the cutting edge of science and technology. You
will be the world's expert in your niche field.
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[1] There are also theoretical astronomers who don't observe and spend all
day in front of computers being very clever. But this handout is not about
them.