Triston Curtis

Introduction
In this paper I want to talk about the field of astronomy, the history and
future of the field, the importance of astronomy and it’s everyday impact in
your day to day life, and the steps to take to get started in that field.

History
First I want to talk about the history of astronomy and how that has
impacted the world to this point. Astronomy is most likely the oldest of the
natural sciences going all the way back to Mesopotamia and early
European settlers. Archeologists have found bronze disks dating back to
8,000 B.C.E, that were used to track the stars as an early calendar. This
find predates any other known calendar by about 5000 years.​1​ This find
revolutionized our thinking of how early European cultures functioned and
showed us that they were a lot more advanced than we had originally
thought. Another ancient calendar that we are familiar with is the Roman
calendar. It was the first calendar that went away from lunar calendars and
went the the modern calendar we are familiar with today. All ancient
calendars were important as it told them when they needed to plant crops
and when to harvest which was vital for the survival of those people.​2

Thanks to astronomy we are able to track time very effectively which

is important in our modern society. Without an accurate calendar we would
not be able to have functioning computers which means no smartphones,
cars would not be as advanced as they are today, no internet, virtual
currency would not be possible, and many many other things that we use
on a daily basis. Isaac Newton played a big role in contributions to
astronomy through his law of universal gravitation. This was a big
advancement in astronomy. Before this, astronomy was used for tracking
earth’s location within its orbit around the sun and pointing a telescope to
look at objects within the sun’s orbit. Newton’s laws allows us to
understand the effects gravity has on everything in the universe and gave
us a way to use math to give us the ability to put objects in orbit around the
planet. With this knowledge we are able to use satellites for GPS, allowed
us to make accurate maps of the world we live on. Monitor the effects of
climate change and the overall impact we have on this earth.

There are many advances that have happened over centuries in

astronomy, and that has only grown exponentially in the 20th century with
computers, and computer aided telescopes. The impact on your daily life
now is less about the actual finds like mapping stars for calendars, but the
advances in the technology that is used in astronomical equipment is what
works its way to everyday items. Radar that was used to send and receive
signals across large distances like communicating with astronauts on the
moon has now worked its way into cars to help avoid crashes. Pens were
originally invented for astronauts in space. The technology that is going into
tomorrow’s telescopes and equipment will have a huge impact on our lives
in years to come. The impact is has is unimaginable.

How to get into the field

So if astronomy sounds something that you are interested in, what
are the steps you need to take to get into the field? The first step to take is
you need to get the necessary education. The most important subjects you
to need to focus on are math, physics, and chemistry. Most astronomers
have their Master’s degree in physics or astronomy. Most colleges have a
specific degree course called astrophysics which is a set of classes that
combine the two. This is useful to enhance the speed at which you obtain
the necessary degree instead of obtaining two degrees. It is also very
helpful to go to school to obtain your PhD. While getting this degree you will
be doing your own research and start to specialize in a particular area of
astronomy.​3
 After you finish up the necessary school you are able to start working
in the field. Typical places of work are universities and government
agencies like NASA. Although there are many other places you have the
opportunity to work. This comes down to your specialty within astronomy
you choose.
Daily Tasks
What you can expect in your daily life as an astronomer.
You will be involved in taking astronomical observations, you will use
millimeter or radio ground-based telescopes or a range of satellite based
telescopes and detectors. You can also work of the development of
astronomical theories to make predictions and use mathematics to test
those theories. Since astronomers are heavy users of the latest in
computer technology you will need to be very effective using computers.
You will be analyzing a lot of computer data.

Conclusion
Astronomy has grown exponentially and the advances are cutting edge in
the world. Astronomy is a very fascinating science that has more impacts
on tomorrow than you realize. If you want to work in an ever evolving field
that gives you a new challenge every day and you are up for the challenge.
Consider becoming an astronomer.
 Citations
1. 'World's oldest calendar' discovered in Scottish field. (2013, July 15). Retrieved February
14, 2019, from
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-23286928
2. B., H. J. (2013, December 23). Primitive Time-Reckoning. A Study in the Origins and
first Development of the Art of counting Time among the Primitive and Early Culture
Peoples. By Martin P. Nilsson. Pp. 324. Lund & Oxford: The Oxford University Press,
1920. 21s. | The Journal of Hellenic Studies. Retrieved February 14, 2019, from
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-hellenic-studies/article/primitive-tim
ereckoning-a-study-in-the-origins-and-first-development-of-the-art-of-counting-time-amo
ng-the-primitive-and-early-culture-peoples-by-martin-p-nilsson-pp-324-lund-oxford-the-
oxford-university-press-1920-21s/07C637EE7016FD95537AF9FCD6BD48EF
3. CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility, & Epping NSW. (2019, January 16).
Australia Telescope National Facility. Retrieved February 14, 2019, from
https://www.atnf.csiro.au/asa_www/become.html