Astronomy
and Space Science
Our Universal Laboratory
Unlike other scientists, the astronomer
or space scientist cannot touch, feel or take samples
of their subject for detailed experimentation or chemical
analysis. To find out about the universe beyond our
small part of the solar system, we must look, listen
and apply the universal laws of physics to learn what
we can without any physical contact at all.
Fortunately, nature has provided us with
the electromagnetic spectrum; every body emits radiation
at a wide range of wavelengths in amounts depending
on its temperature and the physical conditions surrounding
it. Our eyes are only sensitive to a very small part
of this spectrum, from violet light with a wavelength
of about 40nm to red light with a wavelength of about
700nm.
The full spectrum consists of radiation
at wavelengths from the ultra-high frequency (very short
wavelength) gamma rays, through X-rays, the ultraviolet,
infrared and microwave, to the longest wavelength radio
waves. Special techniques are needed to detect each
region of the spectrum, but all carry information about
their source and travel through space at the speed of
light. The Earth's atmosphere prevents much of the spectrum
of radiation from reaching the Earth's surface - which
is, of course, fortunate for humankind - but means astronomers
have to send telescopes into space to sample the sky
at X-ray wavelengths, for example.
So, what does an astronomer do? The popular
image is of a lonely (male) scientist with his eye stuck
to the end of a telescope in a cold dark dome writing
down his observations in a notebook. The life of today's
professional astronomer is very different. In the first
place, there are equal opportunities for men and women.
Today's research astronomer is likely to be a member
of a team of scientists and engineers, each of whom
brings special skills to solve problems about the working
of the universe. These may be practical skills in building
equipment, or in the ability to work with the laws of
physics and mathematics to develop a theoretical model
of the universe.
At UK universities, courses in astronomy
and space science are usually included as part of a
physics or mathematics degree. However, as the subject
grows, so too does the number of opportunities to obtain
a degree in astronomy, astrophysics or even aeronautics
and space engineering, although the possible combinations
with other related subjects is endless.
The monthly UK magazine 'Astronomy Now'
carries a special supplement in its October issue each
year, listing UK universities that offer undergraduate
courses in astronomy and related subjects. Each entry
has a short paragraph describing the courses available
and contact details. In 1999 there were 46 entries,
mostly with astronomy or astrophysics combined with
physics or mathematics, but you may get optional courses
on topics such as astronomical instrumentation, data
analysis, galaxies and cosmology, radio astronomy, stellar
structure and evolution, solar system research, theoretical
astrophysics, aerospace engineering, the physics of
black holes and a whole lot more. Most courses involve
some practical work, such as observation via small telescopes
on university campuses, or analysing data from some
of the major astronomical observatories overseas - or
even from space missions.
Most universities in England and Wales
now offer a three-year BSc or a four year MSci or MPhys
course at undergraduate level; in Scotland, you may
have a fifth year. The degree option is usually reviewed
at the end of the second year, and will be governed
both by the student's wishes and academic ability. At
least four universities also offer non-vocational courses,
as astronomy is a popular subject for non-specialists
too, and can be enjoyed at all levels - from the armchair
enthusiast who enjoys reading books and watching television
programmes, to the serious amateur astronomer who can
make a real contribution to the subject.
Although there are many astronomy-related
careers for which a first degree is sufficient - such
as scientific journalism or working in a planetarium
- if you wish to pursue a career in astronomical research
it is essential to go beyond the first degree and study
for a doctorate. However, to be accepted on a course
leading to a PhD or DPhil, students may be surprised
to learn that a prior qualification in astronomy is
not essential. Although most students will start research
with a background in physics or mathematics, there are
also opportunities in other subjects such as computer
science, engineering (particularly electronic), and
even chemistry, geology or statistics. At postgraduate
level, there are about 30 UK universities where you
can take a course leading to a doctorate. The entry
qualifications to these courses is usually a first or
upper second-class degree at a UK university or its
equivalent elsewhere.
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) publishes
a (free) booklet, 'Postgraduate Opportunities in Astronomy
and Geophysics', with full details of each of the university
departments offering postgraduate degrees. For students
seriously considering an astronomical career, it is
a good idea to look through this booklet before making
their undergraduate choice of university. These are
the universities where active astronomical researchers
group - you will be able to attend seminars and meet
the scientists and research students who share your
interests, a factor that can only be an advantage in
your future career. In the booklet, you will find which
groups specialise in radio or optical astronomy, for
example, or perhaps ultra-violet astronomy where your
telescope will be far above the Earth's atmosphere.
The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research
Council (PPARC) is the government agency that directly
finances the employment of research astronomers through
universities or research establishments. It is also
charged with funding the large and expensive facilities
through which this research is conducted; for example,
modern optical astronomy requires access to large telescopes
on high mountain sites away from cloud and light pollution,
where the skies are dark and the Earth's atmosphere
is clear and still. No, we don't have any such sites
in the UK, but with funding from PPARC, British astronomers
have played a major part in building telescopes in a
number of overseas sites, such as the Anglo-Australian
Observatory in New South Wales, the Isaac Newton Group
of telescopes in the Canary Islands, and under current
development are the twin 8.1 metre Gemini telescopes
on Hawaii and in Chile.
To foster a greater collaboration at grass
roots level in our partner countries, and to increase
the number of astronomers there prior to the telescopes
becoming operational, the Gemini Studentships scheme
enables students from Argentina, Brazil and Chile to
study for an astronomy PhD in Great Britain. PPARC will
make up to three awards per year, one to each of the
participating countries. The student selection process
is co-ordinated by the Gemini project officer in each
country. PPARC also has an agreement with the Instituto
de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC), Tenerife, Spain, to
support a maximum of two IAC students at any one time
to study for an astronomy PhD in Great Britain. The
Spanish Studentship scheme operates in a similar way
to the Gemini scheme - the IAC coordinates the selection
process, and the successful students receive an identical
award to their UK counterparts.
Author: Dr.
Margaret Penston, Astronomy & Space Science, Schools
Liaison Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council
Science / Engineering courses / colleges
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