What is calculus used for in astronomy?

Question

Also, in what grade do you typically start learning calculus?

Answer 1

Well, basically everything.  Calculus is an essental mathematical tool used to analyze all physical processes, such as motion of celestial bodies, thermodynamics of stellar processes, etc.  Even when some basic relationships can be described with algebraic formulae, they are simplified mathematical models derived from a more general calculus analysis.

You start learning basics of calculus in high school if you take advanced maths classes.  But real calculus starts in college, and only if you study a science or engineering career.

Answer 2

Calculus (as used in the western civilization) was invented by Leignitz and Newton (separately -- there was a big battle to determine who invented it).

The motivation for Newton was to solve astronomical problems (elliptical orbits, theory of gravity...).

So it is everywhere. It is not necessarily difficult nor complicated.  But it is there.

I started calculus in College, but I understand that this is later than most.

Answer 3

Calculus is used everywhere; Astronomy is no exception.

FW Bessel in the first attempt ever to measure star distance by trigonometric triangulation, on '61 Cygni'(4th nearest after Proxima/Alpha Centauri, 'Sirius', Epsilon Eridani) successfully measured it at 0.293" arc. Later his observation on a star led to its invisible companion. He ran into a function like Cos(CosX) or Sin(CosX) and it led to 'Bessel functions' which has permeated into all corners of theoretical Physics.

Answer 4

Calculus is a type of math.  There are two main types.  Differential calculus is usually learned first.  It's how fast something changes (like the slope of a line).  Integral calculus is the opposite.  It's how fast change adds up.  You need to take algebra first or you won't understand it.  It's required to take trigonometry first because you'll be studying equations used in trigonometry.  You don't need to learn statistics first, but it might help.  If you are good at algebra, you can learn calculus in late high school.  I didn't take it until college.