If I study astronomy or astrophysics is it true that I dont have to memorise all the formulae, they will give us most of the formulae instead. I have to understand the formulae and know some of them by heart. What is the percentage of the formulae I must know by heart?
Jeffrey K
Astronomy is mostly Physics. You will need a PhD degree in physics or astronomy. In science, you do not just memorize formulas and plug in numbers. That is jr high stuff. You must learn how to derive the formulas. You must understand the theories and the mathematics. In grad school, you must do original experiments and observations in order to make some new discoveries yourself.
ReductioAdAstronomicus
You don't need to memorize any formulae if your interest is in observational astronomy as an amateur.
Unfortunately the joy of astronomy is far too often quelled by those who want to turn it into a grim, sobering mathathon. Appreciation and understanding is mandatory. Leave the complicated math to those who are paid to learn it.
nineteenthly
But it makes sense to learn the formulae. Why would you want to study it if you weren't interested in the details?
Anonymous
true , you will never find a job in that field .
Nyx
Actually, you learn how the formulas are derived. This, in turn, allows you to create your own formulas for whatever project that you're currently working on.