Why study astronomy, and become an astronomer? First, because it is intrinsically fascinating. But also because it is "useful" in a variety of senses: it is deeply rooted in culture and philosophy; it has obvious practical applications; it is a forefront science that contributes to mathematics, computation, and other technologies; it reveals our cosmic roots, our place in time and space, and a universe that is wondrous and beautiful; it excites curiosity and imagination. It also contributes to education in many ways, and attracts young people to science and technology. (For a more comprehensive discussion of why astronomy is useful, see: Why Astronomy is Important.) The study of the universe is done in at least five different ways: (i) developing sophisticated ground-based and satellite telescopes and instruments (ii) using such instruments to observe the cosmos; (iii) analyzing astronomical images and measurements with powerful computer software and hardware; (iv) developing new physical theories to understand and explain the universe; and (v) using such theories, in complex computer simulations, to predict the properties and behaviour of celestial objects, and compare these predictions with what is observed. Research astronomers specialize in one or more of these approaches. Canadian astronomers not only have access to the most powerful telescopes, satellites, and computers on Earth, but they are actively planning and building the next generation of astronomical instruments, including the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, often in collaboration with international partners.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 12:10:38 +0000
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