Are there any jobs in astronomy that do not need a lot of math?

Question

Ever since I was very young, I have had a dream of studying planets (planetary geology, actually) and becoming an astronomer. However, now that I'm just a year away from going to college, it just occurred to me just how much math an astronomer needs. I am...not so good with math. I'm not terrible, but no where near the level that is needed for being a good astronomer. I have yet to take physics, so maybe I'll be good with that aspect of math, but currently, things aren't looking too good.

Are there any jobs in astronomy or that are involved in it that do not require a whole lot of math/physics? I know that its kind of hopeless to find one like that, but I don't want to give up on my dream. I am good at writing, if that's helpful.

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated!

Answer 1

U may be able to do that as most are controlled by computer. The electrical and computer is tough to troubleshoot. Still get all the math U can...

Answer 2

Yes indeed. You could get a job at a Planetarium operating the projector.

Answer 3

Before you give up on a potentially fulfilling career, *try* it out. You'll never know if you'll have good professors who make math you may think is impossible seem simplistic, or if the math itself just won't be as challenging as you make it out to be. Between all the resources that'll be available to you throughout college, math skills you think aren't up to par should never be a reason to change your plans for your major.

Consider what's the worst that could happen: you fail a few classes and slightly alter your major. Put that into comparison of going your entire life with a career you may not enjoy as much.

Moral of the story: go for it. Math can be tricky, but it's in no way impossible. Einstein failed high school math but look what became of him. Try it out (and really try!) and if you still find it impossible, then I'd suggest going into a similar but less math-oriented field.

Answer 4

Tough one...the degree itself is probably going to have a fairly high math requirement.

That said, you are likely to choose geology or geosciences as an undergraduate major...and then getting a post graduate degree in planetary sciences.  Of the the fields in astronomy, that is one of the least math intensive, but you're never going to get away from it.

Answer 5

I dont think that you will be able to just "get a job" in astronomy without a taking an undergraduate course study in... astronomy.  A lot of astronomy uses Calculus.  I had the pleasure of having a calc teacher who taught our entire Calc I class out of a book based on astronomy.

However, and I am sure you heard this before, be a writer?  Then you just have to read the work that other people do and sum it up for the rest of us to understand.  Try majoring in english or whatever writers do and then pick up a minor in astronomy or something just so that if you are trying to read a scientific journal, you will have an understanding of what it is saying.

Why not major in geology and and minor in astronomy.  I'm sure you can think of other combinations but since you don't want to do the math or physics aspect of astronomy you will have to fill this gap with something more substantial since this would be the part that "thins the crowd" out.

Answer 6

if you do well with the math in physics then you might have a chance, but astronomy does depend heavily on math. when i was going to college, all of the prerec classes were to do with either physics or math. you would be surprised how dependent science is on math. the type of math used in astronomy mostly has to do with the math you will use in physics. i had problems with math too, but after a while, i got it and graduated top of my class in astrophysics and astronomy. so keep at it. do some independent studying... take some night courses... and get a solid field on math.

Answer 7

It is not hopeless maybe you can look for a local tutor, someone who knows their math/physics and can teach you what they know. I know for me that when certain topics are presented to me in a different way I find them easier to grasp.  Some people learn in different ways (i.e. auditory, visual etc) maybe someone can help you find your learning style and get you where you need to be.  You sound like an intelligent person and I am sure you will find your way to get your dreams.  Don't ever give up.