What else can I do?
A good place to get more information is the AAS Career Brochure which includes information about an education in astronomy and preparing for a career.
I want to be an astronomer: how do I find colleges? how do I find scholarships?
The web makes looking for colleges and universities easier than it used to be -- most institutions (and astronomy and physics departments) have comprehensive web pages. In addition there are websites that have already gathered a lot of this information. Two sources of information on colleges, with links to sites that list scholarships, grants, and other financial aid, are U.S. College Search and MatchCollege, which list thousands of U.S.
Does the AAS offer any astronomy scholarships?
At this time, the American Astronomical Society offers no scholarships. However, we do award the Bok Prize in Astronomy annually to the top two astronomy science fair projects in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). First prize is US $5000, second prize is US $3000. You may write to Science Service, Inc., 1719 N Street, NW, Washington DC 20036, to request a copy of the "Student Handbook for Precollege Science and Engineering Projects", and for information on "Intel ISEF participation."
How long do I go to college?
How much school you go through depends on what you want to do with your degree. Typically Undergraduate school is four years, but a lot of positions in astronomy require a Ph.D., which is on average six more years of school.
What do I study in college?
Attend a school with a good physics or astronomy department and be prepared to work hard! Although it is hard to become an astronomer, most who get graduate degrees in the field are employed (fewer than 2% are unemployed) and most feel that their graduate education prepared them well for their current job.
What colleges are the best?
There is no easy answer to your question as there isn't a one-size-fits-all program. Each department, and each school, offers different programs, opportunities and environments. You will benefit from spending some time researching colleges and universities; they have web pages describing their programs, the schools and so forth. You may wish to contact the department chair for additional information on the schools you are interested. The AAS maintains a list of programs that offer Astronomy related degrees.
I need to interview an astronomer.
The AAS does not give out names of astronomers. However, there's probably an astronomer near you. Check with your local community college, or four-year college or university, planetarium or science museum. Be sure to provide your name, school, and a specific description about your project. If you're working with time constraints some online interviews with astronomers are available.
I'm doing an astronomy project and I need help.
The AAS is not a reference library, however when we receive inquiries we will do our best to steer you toward reasonable sources of reliable information. We do not have regular staff dedicated to this, so do not rely on an immediate response. Such queries should be directed to education@aas.org. There are many sources for school projects. Start with your school or local community library.
I'm in high school. How can I prepare for an astronomy career?
If you are a high school student who wants to become an astronomer, the best advice is to study hard. It's important to take a lot of academic classes in high school if you want a career in any of the sciences, so make sure you fit in four years of science, math, english, and social studies. You should read magazines like Sky and Telescope or Astronomy and follow the new developments in astronomy that make it into the news. Any readings or research that you do early on can only help you later.
What does it take to become an astronomer?
Most research astronomers have doctorate degrees in physics or astronomy and also bachelor's and/or master's degrees in a physical science, usually physics or astronomy. It takes about 10 years of education beyond normal high school education to become a research astronomer. Astronomers are usually comfortable with computers, both usage and programming in addition to being knowledgeable about basic science, especially physics. They also have extensive mathematical knowledge.
I'm interested in telescopes.
A great resource for information about telescopes is the Antique Telescope Society.
How can I find a planetarium or astronomy club in my area?
Sky and Telescope Magazine, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific and the Astronomical League all list astronomy clubs.
How does one communicate research?
Meetings: Scientific results may be presented at the regular meetings of the AAS and its Divisions. AAS members can present a paper at any AAS meeting. Nonmembers may present only once and must be sponsored by a Full Member who is familiar with the work to be presented.
Where do I report the discovery of a comet/meteor/UFO, etc.?
Transient astronomical phenomena such as comets, novae, supernovae, etc. can be reported to the Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams. Meteor(ite)/fireball reports to the International Meteor Organization. UFO reports to the National Institute for Discovery Science.
How do I know if I found a meteorite?
Contact the closest science center or planetarium for advice about how to determine if it is one. They will have to examine the item before rendering an opinion.
What was that in the sky last night?
The AAS staff does not monitor the sky and most likely can not identify the event you witnessed. The best resources would be Sky and Telescope magazine's "Monthly Sky Highlights," the Ask the Space Scientist website or your local planetarium or science center.
Can I buy a star?
There is no place where you can purchase a star. There are a few businesses which claim to sell or name stars, but the names they give are not recognized by anyone in the scientific community. Stars are named by the International Astronomical Union, headquartered in Paris, France. They are given numbers determined by their exact location in the sky. This system is organized so that it is most beneficial to the scientists that are studying them.
I want to be an Amateur Astronomer.
Great! The best place to start is at the American Association of Amateur Astronomers. They offer tons of information about Amateur Astronomy, conventions, magazine subscriptions, and more. Access to much of the information is free, but membership to the society will cost an annual fee.
What's the difference between astronomy and astrology?
Astronomy is a science that studies everything outside of the earth's atmosphere, such as planets, stars, asteroids, galaxies; and the properties and relationships of those celestial bodies. Astronomers base their studies on research and observation. Astrology on the other hand, is the belief that the positioning of the stars and planets affect the way events occur on earth.
What exactly is astronomy?
Astronomy is a physical science concerned with the smallest particles and the largest natural objects. The name Astronomy comes from the Greek roots Astr- and -nomia to literally mean "name stars". Astronomy is the study of everything outside of the earth's atmosphere and their chemical and physical properties.
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