5 Reasons to Study Astronomy

Astronomy is the study of everything beyond our planet, from the planets and stars in our own solar system to distant galaxies billions of light-years away.

It's an important science that helps us grasp the enormity of the universe and all that exists within it.

For anyone with an interest in the cosmos, here are just a few of the top reasons why you should study astronomy.

1. Astronomy helps us approach the big questions

Astronomy is the science of studying everything beyond Earth: stars, planets, comets, and galaxies. It helps us understand how these objects move and change and how the universe began and continues to evolve.

One of the most important aspects of astronomy is its ability to help us understand our place in the universe. With each new discovery, we come one step closer to comprehending the vastness of space and all that exists within it. This knowledge can give us a sense of perspective and help us to better understand our own existence.

2. Astronomy can improve people’s everyday lives

That’s not to say astronomy’s benefits are exclusively in the abstract. Its study can also have an immediate impact on how we live today.

From the iPhone and Kodak film to GPS and defense satellites to MRI technology and the computer languages... many inventions can be traced back to astronomical roots.

Dr. Marissa Rosenberg shared the critical role of astronomy:

“Astronomy constantly reminds people of two seemingly contradictory things. First, that the universe is infinite and we are of but the tiniest fraction of importance. And second, that life is rare and precious. A home as beautiful and unique as Earth does not come often. We must protect it.”

3. It leads to a well-paying career

Astronomy builds a valuable skill for a lucrative career.

The median salary of an astronomer in the USA was $132,170 in May 2024, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A whopping 18% of astronomers and astrophysicists earn over $200,000 annually according to 2023 data from Data USA. In other words, nearly 1 in 5 astronomers belong to top 7% earners (or above) in the US.

While becoming a professional astronomer can be competitive, the training involved in earning an astronomy degree equips you with advanced skills in math, physics, programming, and data analysis. These skills are in high demand across many well-paying industries.

For example, astronomy majors often move into careers in:

• Aerospace
• Physics
• Software engineering
• Data science
• Finance
• Artificial intelligence

These fields are known for offering strong salaries and long-term career growth.

👉 Also read: 4 career paths for astronomy students

Companies and organizations like NASA, SpaceX, research labs, universities, and even tech giants like Google and Microsoft look for people who can think critically, solve complex problems, and work with large datasets.

4. Astronomy is a gateway to other sciences

Astronomy is often considered the foundation for all other sciences. Knowledge of the stars and other galaxies has been a part of human culture since we first discovered they existed.

By studying astronomy, you gain an in-depth knowledge of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, which are the essential building blocks for more specialized fields of study.

Astronomy can also be a stepping stone to a career in science or engineering.

5. It offers transferable skills

Astronomy builds a wide range of valuable problem-solving skills that can be applied in many other areas.

With the right courses and experiences during graduate school, students can go on to careers in fields like research, education, technology, or science communication.

Astronomers also develop different specialties:

• Some focus on creating computer models to simulate things like stars or supernovas.
• Others build and improve instruments or telescopes.
• Some focus on observing space, collecting data, and figuring out what it all means.
• Many do a mix of all these things, making the skill set even more flexible and useful across careers.

Conclusion

Astronomy is a fascinating and important science that helps us understand the enormity of the universe.

It can improve people’s lives by giving them a greater appreciation for our place in the cosmos and helping to answer big questions about existence.

Astronomy also offers opportunities for transferable skills and personal growth, making it an enjoyable and fulfilling pursuit.

As Carl Sagan once said, “We are a way for the cosmos to know itself.”