study of astronomy or self-taught?

[star1961]

do many people on here study astronomy at university or are you mostly self-taught? is your knowledge base mostly in photography or do you delve further into the origins of the universe and star types etc? gravitational wave theory, string theory etc? just curious

[Enchilada]

Self-taught. Done it for seemingly for centuries. Love it as much now as when I started as a lad with a small telescope.

I suppose it is like an illicit drug, whose only hit is to read everything you can get your hands on, apply it to discovered insights you've found along the way. You also need to get outside and look at the sky with your own eyes, acquire a 'scope of some sort, and look at everything you can.

If you have the intelligence, you can learn all about the intricacies of the science, but to me that becomes more of a chore and a job than a hobby!

The more time you delve into it the more there is to learn…

It is just as unfathomable as the universe we live in! :thumbsup:

[Kevnool]

Self teaching always and forever.
But with a big thank you to Quark AKA Trevor for his informative presentations of general to advanced astromomy through the classes that he held with a group of aspiring Students at the Robinson college in Broken Hill.

Even if you are a student, A professor, A Professional astronomer or in case anyone, Your allways learning in which case the knowledge is passed down.

Everyday there are new discoveries found to ponder and learn from.

So make the most of it because tommorow is a new day.

Cheers for now Kev.

[star1961]

it is addictive for sure
i've been lucky enough to study through our university planetarium over the last couple of years and i've learning ever since
this forum is also a good source of information

[sheeny]

Self taught.

Anything and everything related to astronomy.

Al.

[Quark]

Hi and welcome Lisa,

I would think that there would be many different stories on how people that post on IIS came to astronomy and I am sure they would have many different interests within it.

It really is probably inconsequential. The most important thing is to have passion and follow up on things that interest you.

I came to astronomy probably later in life than most at about age 34, courtesy of a fellow worker on the Broken Hill mines. He also now posts on IIS, Kinetic AKA Steve.

When I finished work on the mines I commenced a Grad Cert Sc in Astronomy with Swinburne University to try and gain a better understanding about what made the objects that I observed with my scope, appear the way they did.

It was an incredibly satisfying couple of years, just so stimulating and for me, it was most definitely worthwhile. I found the research that I had to do for my projects and essays just so informative and often, information that I stumbled across on totally unrelated subjects was just so interesting and I was fortunate to have excellent unit instructors and project supervisors.

I think we each probably follow different paths on our journeys through astronomy, no particular path is necessarily better or worst than another. Far and away the most important thing is to enjoy the journey.

You will find that the deeper you delve into Astronomy the more questions you will ask. Its sort of like, the more you learn, you realize, the less you know. This is not a bad thing and really does underline the Life Long Learning mantra that stems from our tertiary institutions.

Don't know if this makes sense but these are my thoughts.

Regards
Trevor

[supernova1965]

Always learning "PLEASE SIR CAN I HAVE SOME MORE" :einstein:This guy on the left represents the collective brains behind my computer screen.:D

[Ric]

Hi Lisa, self taught here as well as discussions and reading articles on the web.

If I had the time and money, I'd love to do a course in astronomy. In the meantime I'll keep reading the books and chatting on IIS.

Cheers

[renormalised]

Self taught, but at present doing a MSc in astronomy.

[Terry B]

Both.
I had a great interest in astronomy and wanted to find out more. I enrolled in the then new Master of Astronomy at UWS. Unfortunately this degree no longer exists but similar ones are at Swinburn uni and James Cook uni.

[michaellxv]

Self-taught sounds so final as if I am finished.

In reality I have only just begun, been at this for less than a year now. But I am using every resource I can get my hands on.

Closest to a formal course are the Podcasts by Professor Richard Pogge from Ohio State University (see resource section).

I wish I had this enthusiasm for learning 20 years ago.

[Robh]

Self taught.
How does one define astronomy? It involves optics, observational knowledge and experience, mapping, photography, chemistry, gravitational physics, quantum physics, theoretical speculation, cosmology, history, philosophy and so much more. The subject has so many branches one can only hope to be somewhat knowledgeable in some areas and a little knowledgeable of the broader spectrum. I enjoy each and every new discovery!

Regards, Rob

[rider]

Its a mixture for Mrs Rider and I.

We started and are continuing with self teaching, but we have also done a number of amateur astronomy courses at Starfield Observatory near Nambour Qld.

John Henty (F.R.A.S) of Starfield is a wonderful teacher who instills his love of Astronomy in all his students. - and the practical sessions are held using a Paramount/RCOS in a pretty good quality sky!

We have done the Introductory and Advanced courses and we are both looking forward to going back for his History of Astronomy classes next year.

[Paul Haese]

I spend far too much time reading anything astronomy related. Initially when I was a kid it was books and more books, since 1994 it has been the internet and forums.

You only really need one skill for this hobby and that is the ability to read (meaning comprehend). With that you can learn more and more each day. Every other skill development comes from that ability.

I would think the majority of people in amateur astronomy are people who spend a great deal of time reading and teaching themselves.

It takes years to build up a good knowledge base. Often one forgets more than they have learnt; astronomy the subject is just that vast.

[Ian Robinson]

Both actually., been a life long interest.

Picked in depth understanding (of the physics and maths) of astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology etc later through my 3 yrs equiv of undergrad uni physics.
No intention to major in astronomy or a desire to do so .... mainly cause jobs in the area are scarce as hens' teeth and the money in pro astronomy is RS cf engineering.

[renormalised]

Most people get into astronomy not because it pays well, but because they have a passion for it. Money doesn't factor into the equation...just so long as they have enough to live on and be happy enough.

I think choosing a career based on how much money it's going to pay is the wrong way to go about the choice. For most people, they get caught in jobs they eventually wished never existed. You never really get paid what you're worth and for the most part you get worked into an early retirement/grave by bosses who don't give a rat's about anything except how big a pay packet they take home themselves.

[AlexN]

As far as practical astronomy is concerned, self taught thanks to the masses of people here on IIS who've answered hundreds of my questions and helped me go from a total newbie to the point I'm at now..

I've done a few short courses in photography which gave me the basics, i was then searching the net for 'long focal length photography' and found a few astrophoto's here I am nearly 2 years, and 5000+ posts later..

As far as physics/cosmology etc. are concerned. I'm currently studying Physics/Astrophysics at uni... I know jobs in this field are scarce, I would love a job in this field, however at this stage I'm more into it for the passion than the pay off.. If I get a job from it, great, if not, I still know a lot about the universe that average joe blow doesn't...

[Davekyn]

I get by with the Discovery Channel, Online forums, Podcasts, Tutorial/Lecture Vids, Torrents, the local book shop, Australian Sky & Telescope, and of course my small humble telescopes" I’ve been told in here, I’m just a stargazer, hence am reluctant to even attempt to call myself an backyard astronomer & have since wondered if meeting the official requirements; some place on the term, worthwhile perusing to begin with. I got my certification at Kellogg’s :thumbsup: