Astronomy is the scientific study of celestial objects.
Celestial objects are objects such as stars, planets, moons, asteroids, and galaxies.
Stars
A star is a sphere of gas that is hot and dense enough for nuclear fusion to happen in its core.
Planets
A planet is a large spherical object that orbits (travels around) a star.
Moons
A moon is a large object that orbits (travels around) a planet .
Asteroids & Comets
Asteroids & comets are chunks of rock and metals (Asteroids) or dust and water-ice (Comets) left-over from the creation of the solar system.
Galaxies
Galaxies are huge collections of billions of stars, dust and gas that are held together by gravity.
Distances In Space
Light travels at 300,000,000 ms-1 or 3x108 ms-1.
In most cases, this is so fast that can we assume that Light moves instantaneously.
Scientific Notation
The x10number is ‘how many places to the left (positive) or right (negative) have you moved the decimal point ?’.
For Example -
4500 m = 4.5x103 m (d.p. 3 to left)
660,000 m = 6.6x105 m (d.p. 5 to left)
0.002 m = 2x10-3 m (d.p. 3 to right)
0.000007 m = 7x10-6m (d.p. 6 to right)
Scientific Notation on a calculator
All scientific calculators will have either a button labelled ‘x10x’ or ‘exp’.
To enter the number 4x106, simply push ‘4’ then...
Then the ‘x10x’ button then...
Then the ‘=’, and the calculator will display the number 4,000,000 as you wanted!
Distances in Space
Space is so huge, however, that even Light takes a large amount of time to travel these distances.
This means that when we look into Space, we are actually looking back through time!
In our Solar System, measurements are usually made in Astronomical Units (A.U.).
1 A.U. = Distance from the Earth to the Sun (1.5x1011 m)
In our galaxy, measurements are usually made in Light-Years.
1 ly = Distance travelled by Light in one year ( 9.5x1015 m )
To distant galaxies, measurements are usually made in Megaparsecs.
1 Mpc = 3.26x106 Light-Years ( 3.1x1022 m )
Below shows some example conversions:-
Astronomer or Astrophysisist
As an Astronomer or Astrophysisist, you would observe and study huge stars and planets or tiny particles in space to help us understand more about how the universe works.
You'd take part in big research projects to look at objects and events in space. You'd collect data from the research and work out what it tells us about the origin and structure of the universe.
You'd use computers, optical and radio telescopes, spectroscopes, satellites, spacecraft and space probes to collect and analyse information.
You might specialise in observational and theoretical astronomy or focus on a particular topic, like planetary science or the formation of galaxies.
As well as working in laboratories and observatories, you could also work in a museum or planetarium, or teach and carry out research at a university.
You'd normally study for a postgraduate qualification such as a PhD when you are working as a professional astronomer. You'd go to conferences and keep up to date with new ideas and evidence.
Working as an ASTROPHYSICIST
A Career as an Astronomer or ASTROPHYSICIST
Salary: from £26,000 to £60,000 per year
Astronomer working hours: long and irregular hours, including weekends, evenings and nights, depending on the project you are part of and the observations you are making.
Typical entry requirements: You would need an honours degree and postgraduate qualifications in astronomy or astrophysics (SCQF level 10 and 11). Some universities offer an Integrated Masters combining the degree and postgraduate courses over 5 years.
To enter an astronomy or astrophysics degree (SCQF Level 10) you need National 5 qualifications and Highers at AAAA or AAABB in first sitting or AAAAAB in two sittings.
Some universities may accept lower grades, such as BBBB, if you can demonstrate a deep interest, relevant skills and experience in astronomy and sciences.
Skills required:
Working with technology
Evaluating
Problem solving
Observation
Researching
Attention to detail
Filtering
Analysing
Understanding
