How to Become an Astronomer | Big Think

TL;DR

Communication skills, including written and oral communication, are crucial for success in science, and a well-rounded education that includes math, music, and other subjects is beneficial for aspiring scientists.

Transcript

I remember when I did this big visible program in Baltimore called the Shoemaker le9 comic crash into Jupiter um it was a big deal I was on the Nightly News every night for a week and my local high school in Pennsylvania sent a TV crew down to Baltimore to interview me and they asked me what was the most important class you took in high school to p... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍🏫 Chorus class in high school taught professionalism and communication skills that were valuable for the speaker in her scientific endeavors.
• 🧑‍🔬 Communication skills, including written and oral communication, are essential for scientists to succeed in their careers.
• 🧑‍🔬 A well-rounded education that includes math, music, and various subjects outside of science provides a solid foundation for aspiring scientists.
• 👻 Majoring in Earth and planetary science allowed the speaker to approach astronomy and astrophysics from a different angle and still make impactful contributions.
• 🈴 Straight A's are not a prerequisite for becoming a scientist, and a passing grade demonstrates sufficient understanding.
• 🧑‍🔬 Math is considered a language skill, alongside communication classes, for aspiring scientists to learn.
• 🤔 Having a broad educational background helps scientists to think critically and make connections between different disciplines.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker's chorus teacher prepare her for a career in science?

The chorus teacher instilled professionalism, attention to detail, and communication skills in her students, which the speaker carried over into her scientific pursuits.

Q: Why does the speaker promote taking communication classes alongside science courses?

Communication skills, including writing and speaking, are vital for scientists to effectively convey their findings and collaborate with others in the field.

Q: What subjects did the speaker major in during college?

Instead of majoring in physics like many astronomers, the speaker chose Earth and planetary science, which included geology, geophysics, atmospheric chemistry, and additional math and physics courses.

Q: Is it necessary to have straight A's to become a scientist?

The speaker stresses that straight A's are not essential and advises that a passing grade, such as a C, is sufficient. She encourages aspiring scientists not to be deterred by high expectations.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of chorus class in high school, as it taught professionalism, communication skills, and attention to detail.

• She advises aspiring scientists to focus on communication classes and math, in addition to science courses, to build a strong foundation.

• The speaker shares her personal experience of majoring in Earth and planetary science instead of physics, highlighting the value of a diverse educational background.