Studying astronomy and astrophysics
Advice for school and university students who want to go further: what to learn first, how to read research papers, which equations matter, and where an astronomy degree can lead.
What you can do with an astronomy or astrophysics degree
Most astronomy graduates do not become astronomers, and the data show they do well. The research path, jobs outside academia and how to keep options open.
Ten equations every astronomy student should know
Ten short formulas that give distances, temperatures, masses and the expansion of the universe, each worked through with real numbers.
How to read an astronomy paper as a beginner
Where to find astronomy papers for free, how they are built, and a three pass method for reading them, with a worked example and a jargon table.
How to start learning astrophysics in high school
Which mathematics and physics to learn first, which books to use, and how to work with real Gaia and exoplanet data before you reach university.
What it takes to study astrophysics at university
Astrophysics degrees build from maths, physics, and coding. Here is what students usually study in year one, and where research can begin.
How to prepare for an astronomy olympiad
A six month plan, the main topic areas, the kinds of problems you will meet, and free resources that can help you train well.