The Question
(Submitted November 18, 1996)
I am a girl in the tenth grade at Westlake
High School in Maryland. I am writing to you for information on careers in
the field of astrophysics. I have recently been assigned a research paper
on the subject of my choice, and I chose to research information on my
future career goals. Ever since I was young, I have been intrigued with
two things: space and physics. This led me to astrophysics, and I have
enjoyed learning facts about the subject ever since.
I would appreciate it if you could send any information you have on the
subject, such as: Career listings, pictures, brochures, anything would be
of value. I understand fully if you can not reply due to a busy schedule.
Thank you for your time.
The Answer
If you are interested in astronomy or astrophysics as a career then
much of what you might want to know is contained in a brochure put
out by the American Astronomical Society. This is available online
at
http://www.aas.org/education/publications/careerbrochure.html
or you can write and get a paper copy from
The American Astronomical Society Education Office,
University of Texas,
Astronomy Department, RLM 15.308,
Austin Texas 78712-1083.
Astronomy is a tremendously exciting field, and speaking from my personal
experience it is also a lot of fun. I would encourage you to pursue it if
you are seriously interested. At the present time the job market is very
tight, but it is risky to predict the situation by the time you finish
school.
Sincerely,
Tim Kallman
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