How much math is associated with astronomy?

Question

any other comments would be welcomed!!!!!!!

Answer 1

For observational astronomy, you need primarily spherical trig. For experimental work in all sciences, statistics is required. If you're going into a specialized field like astrophysics, you will need several years of calculus, including multivariable calc.

Answer 2

There is a point where the disciplines of physics, astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology really are manifestations of the same thing.  That point is mathematics.  It is possible to become an observational astronomer without higher math, but to enter the more interesting fields of experimental and theoretical astronomy, you really will need it.  This is a mathematical universe we live in.  Everything can be expressed mathematically, from E=MC squared to plotting orbital mechanics for space craft, and all points in between.  If you decide to go the route, be prepared to work extremely hard, and I truly wish you all the luck in the world.

Answer 3

temperature, size, distance, speed...lots

Answer 4

Infinite!

Answer 5

LOL, maybe not infinite...but lots.  Astronomers mainly are mathematicians.  If you want to look at stars using a telescope, DON'T become an astronomer...get any other job, buy a telescope, and knock yourself out looking at stars.  But know that an astronomer, while he's sitting at his desk "doing astronomy", is writing computer programs, studying images of stars and galaxies, compiling data, writing his next lecture, writing a paper on his latest work, and doing nearly everything BUT looking at stars.

Answer 6

About this much (holding out my arms at full width).

I have two math degrees (major in math, honors in maths and statistics) and I am now at graduate level in astronomy...

and I cope.

(I use the verb 'cope' which is a tiny bit better than scraping through)

Answer 7

It depends. if you pursue a B.S. in astronomy you may only need to take calculus and maybe statistics / probability.

If you go into a Ph.D in astrophysics or astronomy you could actually major in mathematics.

Oh, be prepared to talk about everything in arc seconds. :D

Answer 8

It is so complicated that calculus was invented for it