Astronomy is a natural science that studies celestial objects and phenomena. It uses mathematics, physics, and chemistry in order to explain their origin and evolution. Objects of interest include planets, moons, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and comets.
What do astronomers do?
As an astronomer, you can work in observational astronomy, using telescopes and cameras to look at the stars, galaxies and other astronomical objects, or in theoretical astronomy, where you’ll use maths and computer models to explain observations and predictions. stars. galaxies. cosmology (the origin of the universe).
Whats the study of the universe called?
Physical cosmology is studied by scientists, such as astronomers and physicists, as well as philosophers, such as metaphysicians, philosophers of physics, and philosophers of space and time.
Is astrology the study of stars?
Astrology is the study of galaxies, stars and their movements. Astrology is the scientific study of stars and other celestial bodies.
Requirements To Study Astronomy In South Africa
Astronomers work to increase our under-standing of how the universe began, how it has evolved and how it will evolve. They study how interstellar dust, gas clouds, planets, stars, galaxies and clusters of galaxies came to exist and how they behave. A professional astronomer will typically have a doctorate (PhD) in astronomy, astrophysics or physics. The university study path is usually as follows:
Undergraduate Study
Minimum entry requirement at university
Matric exemption with Physical Science and Mathematics on the higher grade. Computer Science and Additional Mathematics are useful additional subjects.
Typical degree
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Physics, Mathematics or Engineering, or a specific undergraduate astronomy degree such as offered at the University of Cape Town or UNISA. Other recommended subjects at university: Pure and Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, Electronics and Chemistry. Undergraduate scholarships are available.
Postgraduate Study
The National Astrophysics & Space Science Programme (NASSP) is a cooperative, combined graduate programme launched by the South African astronomical community and a number of South African universities.
It also offers Honours and Masters programmes in astronomy / astrophysics and space science. The Honours programme lasts one year and the Masters programme lasts up to two years. It also offers an extended Honours programme for students who have no astronomy background or who need to improve their physics and mathematics proficiency.
Students are supervised by scientists from universities as well as the specialist research organisations doing work in astronomy such as the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Observatory (HartRAO) in the west of Gauteng, and the South African Square Kilometre Array Project (SA SKA) in Johannesburg.
Bursaries are available to study astronomy at Honours and Masters Level. Refer to the NASSP website for more information. Other bursaries are available from the National Research Foundation, the SAAO, and the SA SKA.
After completion of a Masters degree, the aspiring astronomer will conduct supervised research to obtain a doctorate (PhD). This can take from one to three years.
Career Opportunities
Graduates in astronomy are equipped to conduct research at the cutting edge of Astrophysics and Space Science and will have the broad science skills needed in any modern technological society. They would normally find employment at astronomical research facilities (e.g. HartRAO, SAAO, SA SKA and MeerKAT) or at universities.
Opportunities in South Africa are especially good with two multi-million rand astronomy projects in progress: the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) and the South African Square Kilometre Array Project (SA SKA), which includes the Karoo Array telescope (MeerKAT).
Astronomers’ abilities, especially their scientific approach to problem solving, are also highly valued in almost all fields, ranging from aerospace, information technologies, telecommunications to financial services.
Where to study astronomy In South Africa
Astronomers work to increase our understanding of how the Universe began, how it has evolved and will evolve. They study how interstellar dust, gas clouds, planets, stars, galaxies and clusters of galaxies came to exist and how they work. To do this the only tools available are light, physics and mathematics. Find out more about astronomy as a career.
The National Astronomy and Space Science Programme
(run by a consortium of institutions)
University of Cape Town, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
Private Bag Rondebosch 7701
Tel: (021) 650-2344/650-2334, Fax: (021) 650-2334
University of Cape Town
Department of Astronomy, University of Cape Town
Private Bag Rondebosch 7700,
Tel: (021) 650-3342, Fax: (021) 650-3342
University of the Free State
Department of Physics, University of the Free State
PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300,
Tel: (051) 401-2926/6158
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban
School of Pure and Applied Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban 4041, Tel: (031) 260-2775, Fax: (031) 261-6550
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209
Tel: (033) 260-5326, Fax: (033) 260-5009
North-West University
School of Physics, North-West University
Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520
Tel: (018) 299-2423, Fax: (018) 299-2421
Rhodes University
Department of Physics and Electronics, Rhodes University
PO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140,
Tel: (046) 603-8450, Fax: (046) 622-5049
University of South Africa
Department of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Astronomy
PO Box 392, UNISA 0003
Tel: (012) 429-6202, Fax: (012) 429-6064
How to Study for an Introductory Astronomy Class In South Africa
In this brief appendix, we want to give you some hints for the effective study of astronomy. These suggestions are based on ideas from good teachers and good students around the United States. Your professor will probably have other, more specific suggestions for doing well in your class.
Astronomy, the study of the universe beyond the borders of our planet, is one of the most exciting and rapidly changing branches of science. Even scientists from other fields often confess to having had a lifelong interest in astronomy, though they may now be doing something earthbound like biology, chemistry, engineering, or writing software.
But some of the things that make astronomy so interesting also make it a challenge for the beginning student. The universe is a big place, full of objects and processes that do not have familiar counterparts here on Earth. Like a visitor to a new country, it will take you a while to feel familiar with the territory or the local customs. Astronomy, like other sciences, also has its own special vocabulary, some of which you will have to learn to communicate well with your professor and classmates.
Still, hundreds of thousands of non-science majors take an introductory astronomy course every year, and surveys show that students from a wide range of backgrounds have succeeded in (and even enjoyed) these classes. Astronomy is for everyone, not just those who are “science oriented.”
So, here are some suggestions to help you increase your chances of doing well in your astronomy class.
The best advice we can give you is to be sure to leave enough time in your schedule to study the material in this class regularly. It sounds obvious, but it is not very easy to catch up with a subject like astronomy by trying to do everything just before an exam.
(As astronomers like to put it, you can’t learn the whole universe in one night!) Try to put aside some part of each day, or every other day, when you can have uninterrupted time for reading and studying astronomy.
In class, put your phone away and focus on the class activities. If you have to use a laptop or tablet in class, make a pact with yourself that you will not check email, get on social media, or play games during class. A number of careful studies of student behavior and grades have shown that students are not as good at such multi-tasking as they think they are, and that students who do not use screens during class get significantly better grades in the end.
Try to take careful notes during class. Many students start college without good note-taking habits. If you are not a good note-taker, try to get some help. Many colleges and universities have student learning centers that offer short courses, workbooks, tutors, or videos on developing good study habits. Good note-taking skills will also be useful for many jobs or activities you are likely get involved with after college.
Try to read each assignment in the textbook twice, once before it is discussed in class, and once afterward. Take notes as you read or use a highlighter to outline ideas that you may want to review later.
Form a small astronomy study group with people in your class. Get together with them regularly and discuss what you have been learning. Also, focus on the topics that may be giving group members trouble.
Make up sample exam questions and make sure everyone in the group can answer them confidently. If you have always studied alone, you may at first resist this idea, but don’t be too hasty to say no. Study groups are a very effective way to digest a large amount of new information.
Before each exam, create a concise outline of the main ideas discussed in class and presented in your text. Compare your outline with those of other students as a check on your own study habits.
If your professor suggests doing web-based sample quizzes, or looking at online apps, animations, or study guides, take advantage of these resources to enhance your studying.
At the end of each chapter in this textbook you, will find four kinds of questions. The Collaborative Group Activities are designed to encourage you follow up on the material in the chapter as a group, rather than individually.
Review Questions help you see if you have learned the material in the chapter. Thought Questions test deeper understanding by asking you to apply your knowledge to new situations. And Figuring for Yourself exercises test and extend some of the mathematical examples in the chapter. (Not all professors will use the math sections; if they don’t, you may not have homework from this section.)
If you find a topic in the text or in class especially difficult or interesting, talk to your professor or teaching assistant. Many students are scared to show their ignorance in front of their teacher, but we can assure you that most professors and TA’s like it when students come to office hours and show that they care enough about the course to ask for help.
Don’t stay up all night before a test and then expect your mind to respond well. For the same reason, don’t eat a big meal just before a test, since we all get a little sleepy and don’t think as clearly after a big meal. Take many deep breaths and try to relax during the test itself.
Don’t be too hard on yourself! If astronomy is new to you, many of the ideas and terms in this book may be unfamiliar. Astronomy is like any new language: it may take a while to become a good conversationalist. Practice as much as you can, but also realize that it is natural to feel overwhelmed by the vastness of the universe and the variety of things that are going on in it.
What are the requirements to study astronomy In South Africa ?
Astronomers need a doctoral degree to specialize in their field. Typically, an astronomer first earns a bachelor’s degree in physics, astrophysics or astronomy, which includes coursework in subjects like physics, algebra, calculus, astronomy and statistics.
Can I study astronomy without maths In South Africa ?
One cannot really do astronomy and astrophysics without math. It would be just looking at things and making up explanations without actually checking if and how they hold true.
Is astronomy in demand in South Africa?
Because of the shortage of local astronomers, there are good employment prospects for an academic career in astrophysics, particularly in South Africa.
How many years does it take to study astronomy in South Africa?
The Honours programme lasts one year and the Masters programme lasts up to two years. It also offers an extended Honours programme for students who have no astronomy background or who need to improve their physics and mathematics proficiency.
Does South Africa have a space program?
South African ground-based facilities have continued to support various space missions ever since. South Africa initiated its first space programme in the 1980s. The objective of this programme was to develop an Earth observation satellite and a launcher, and all the necessary facilities to support these activities.
How much do astronomers make in South Africa?
The average pay for an Astronomer is ZAR 839,151 a year and ZAR 403 an hour in South Africa. The average salary range for an Astronomer is between ZAR 585,502 and ZAR 1,053,905. On average, a Doctorate Degree is the highest level of education for an Astronomer.
What subjects should I take in high school to be an astronomer In South Africa ?
Astronomers use advanced math and science. Try to take math through Trigonometry and science through Physics. You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school.
How many satellites are in South Africa?
Egypt leads the way with nine launched satellites, followed by South Africa with eight, Algeria with seven, Nigeria with six, and Morocco with three. Ghana, Sudan, Ethiopia, Angola, Kenya, Rwanda and Mauritius complete the list.
How long do you have to study to be an astronomer In South Africa ?
Expect to spend around 9 years on your astronomer education, including four years obtaining an undergraduate degree, two years in a Master’s degree program, and three years working on a Ph. D.
Is it difficult to become an astronomer In South Africa ?
It will be very difficult for you to become an astronomer, because math is heavily used in this field and the training that is required leading up to getting a job in the field. Once you become an astronomer, it is an intense job with few breaks.