Astronomy is a field of study that involves studying the movement and position of planets in the sky. The degree program, which includes a major and minor, requires students to complete at least 23 credit hours, with at least 12 credits being upper division. The program also offers a minor in astronomy, which consists of a minimum of 15 hours of math from both required and elective courses.
The Astronomy Major with a General Astronomy Concentration requires 16-17 courses, including 12 of which are in Astronomy, Physics, and Mathematics. Students enrolled in ASC honors majors must complete the honors minor option 1 or 2. The minor in astronomy consists of a minimum of 23 credit hours, with at least 12 credit hours being upper division. All courses must be completed with a grade of “C”.
Astronomy requires creative problem-solving and reasoning skills, and students who excel in math and science and have an innate interest in space may be well-suited for this field. Linear algebra, calculus, and statistics should be the mathematical foundation of an aspiring astronomer, and they need to be comfortable coding.
For freshman/first-year admission, it is recommended that students have at least placement level II, an ACT Math score of 24, or a SAT Math score of 24. Lower division requirements for the Astrophysics Major and Minor include Math 1A, Math 1B, Math 53, Math 54, or Physics 89*.
📹 Minor Aspects in Astrology, with Rick Levine
An introduction to the concept of minor aspects in astrology, with astrologers Rick Levine and Chris Brennan. Minor aspects are …
Which signs are good at math?
Mathematics is a subject that can bring both love and hate from people. Virgos, known for their analytical and detail-oriented nature, are considered good in maths. Capricorns, Aquarius, Geminis, and Scorpios are also considered good in maths. Capricorns are known for their analytical nature, while Aquarius is known for their precision and attention to detail. Geminis are known for their systematic approach to problem-solving and ability to catch errors.
Scorpios are considered good in maths due to their love for solving mathematical problems. These zodiac signs possess characteristics that can help them succeed in mathematics, making them ideal for those who enjoy solving mathematical problems.
Is astronomy difficult to study?
A Master’s in Astronomy is a rigorous and rewarding degree program that demands extensive research, writing, and quantitative analysis. Successful applicants must possess strong critical thinking skills, mathematical aptitude, and a passion for scientific exploration. Courses include astrophysics, cosmology, observational astronomy, statistics, and theoretical physics, and may involve laboratory or fieldwork. To apply for grants or scholarships, applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
Networking opportunities are available through professional organizations like the American Astronomical Society (AAS), which provides career development resources and job postings from global employers.
Is astronomy math heavy?
A strong mathematical understanding is necessary for data analysis and understanding astro mechanics and theory. At the University of Arizona, undergraduates must pass Calculus, Vector Calculus, and Ordinary Differential Equations, which require strong algebra and trigonometry skills. Astronomy doesn’t require a college degree, but it’s recommended to explore the stars with friends and let your imagination take the rest. Starizona is a great place to find books and equipment, and amateur astronomers can forget about their amateur career.
What kind of math is used in astrology?
The field of astrology employs a range of mathematical techniques, including algebra, trigonometry, and the use of coefficients, cosines, and distance algorithms, to examine the relative age effect and its interconnections with other phenomena.
What level of math is needed for astronomy?
Astronomy uses algebra, calculus, statistics, probability, trigonometry, and logarithms to calculate various aspects of stars and galaxies. Maths is crucial for those aspiring to pursue careers in the growing space sector. The current space race is centered around commercializing space, with companies making money from space travel and space travel. The last space race involved countries racing to reach the Moon as a symbol of technological advancement.
Since the first satellite, Sputnik, was launched in 1957, 60 to 100 satellites were launched annually. However, the demand for data in telecommunications and mapping technology has led to a satellite boom over the past 12 years, highlighting the importance of maths in the astronomy sector.
Can I do astronomy without maths?
Mathematics plays an indispensable role in the field of astronomy, as it provides the means to quantify observations, perform calculations, and make predictions based on these observations. The application of mathematical principles is essential to the comprehensive understanding of astronomy and astrophysics.
Do you need further maths for astronomy?
Maths is crucial for physics and astronomy, so highlight your abilities in calculus, algebra, and geometry. Highlight your programming skills, particularly in languages like Python, MATLAB, or C++. Share your hands-on experience in physics experiments, astronomy observations, or science clubs, showcasing your practical understanding of theoretical concepts. If your interests span across disciplines, discuss how interdisciplinary connections complement your love of physics and astronomy, including maths, computer science, or philosophy. Show your problem-solving skills by sharing examples from coursework, projects, or real-world situations.
Is astrology a physics?
Astrology is a belief system that suggests a connection between astronomical phenomena and human events or personality descriptions. However, it has been criticized by the scientific community for lacking explanatory power and scientific testing has found no evidence to support its premises or effects. The most famous test, led by Shawn Carlson, concluded that natal astrology performed no better than chance. Astrology has not demonstrated its effectiveness in controlled studies and has no scientific validity, making it regarded as pseudoscience.
There is no proposed mechanism by which stars and planets’ positions and motions could affect people and events on Earth in the way astrologers claim, which contradicts well-understood aspects of biology and physics. Modern scientific inquiry into astrology focuses on the correlation between astrological traditions and the influence of seasonal birth in humans.
Can I be an astronomer if I’m bad at math?
Astronomers typically major in astronomy and physics in college, with a mix of math and computer science classes. However, astronomy research can involve varying levels of math, depending on the type of astronomy. Coding is now a mandatory part of the job, so computer science classes are recommended. Astronomy degree programs are not common, but other less common majors include planetary science, geosciences, math, computer science, or engineering.
Astronomy programs are offered by large research universities, but many astronomers come from smaller liberal arts colleges or community/junior colleges and transfer to 4-year universities. To gain essential skills for success in astronomy, astronomers should conduct scientific research with a professor during their undergraduate education, usually over summers. These skills, such as coding, statistical analysis, and scientific literacy, are crucial for a successful researcher.
Astronomers typically pursue their PhDs after college, which consists of two years of classes and 3-4 years of full-time research. Their research is published in peer-reviewed journals and compiled into a thesis.
Is calculus necessary for Astrophysics?
Astrophysics courses require basic mathematical skills and certain techniques. Relevant undergraduate courses include Part IA Differential Equations, Vectors and Matrices, Vector Calculus, Dynamics and Relativity, Part IB Methods, Part II Classical Dynamics, and Lecture Notes for Part IA Vector Calculus by Professors Allanach and Evans, Part IB Methods by Professor Josza, and Lecture Notes on Greens functions for PDEs by Professor Josza. A basic understanding of fluid mechanics is required for all courses, except Planetary System Dynamics, Formation of Galaxies, and Astrostatistics.
Is astronomer a rare job?
Astronomy research is heavily computer-based, requiring significant data analysis and programming skills. Permanent astronomy research jobs are rare and highly competitive, and even those completing PhDs and postdoctoral positions do not become professional astronomers for their full careers. Astronomy is a small community, so it is expected to travel internationally to present results and collaborate with others. Initiatives are in place within related associations to encourage equality, inclusion, and diversity in astronomy, such as the Royal Astronomical Society.
Astronomers rarely work in isolation, and must stay up-to-date with published literature and put their research work into the context of other research. They must be well-versed in justifying their research motivation for funding and publication. Communication of their work in publicly accessible ways is important. Most astronomy jobs require a PhD, typically a 2:1 or above in subjects such as astronomy/astrophysics, earth sciences, geology/geoscience, physics, space/planetary science, mathematics, and computer science.
📹 House Division Calculations in Astrology Explained
In episode 313 astrologer Luís Ribeiro joins the show to explain the astronomy and mathematics underlying the calculation of the …
I would absolutely love the episode about calculating charts by hand! I’ve learned how to calculate a few things in order to understand them better, like the lots and harmonics (I was going through a phase), which of course are pretty simple to calculate, but it was very useful to train doing maths in terms of degrees. So yeah, learning how to do the whole chart would be pretty awesome!
Wow, thank you both for a generous, comprehensive overview of the house systems. I don’t know how you can go on for 4 hours without taking a break! I greatly appreciate the helpful visuals to explain the differences between the systems. My sincerest condolences to Luis, and I look forward to learning more about his and his late partner’s work in your other articles! 🙏
I use Porphyry because my teacher recommended it, but I am not particularly attached. I would love to learn more about calculating charts by hand. That seems to be a most valuable skill for an astrologer! Thank you so much for this episode and all of your amazing episodes. I learn so much from this podcast!
For me this was a very informative episode by setting the houses in their mathematical and historic settings as different attempts to give structural meaning to our view of the heavens. Maybe now we can take the next step of giving each of them their distinctive interpretative value so maybe we can move between them for different consults. For the first 40 ears i just differred to Koch without much real enthusiasm now I enjoy the simple solidity and elegance of whole sign houses but now feel open to the possible nuances of each system
Eyes Wide Open. Thank you Luis and Chris. I had been using the Koch House System since 1985, when I picked up The Koch Book Of Tables, and learned how to cast a natal horoscope. After this podcast, I will experiment with other house systems, (e.g., Whole Sign, Alcabitius, etc). I enjoyed this podcast very much. Thanks, again.
This should go in the “Greatest Hits” of the podcast. This topic is never covered with the necessary technical attention it requires. That’s understandable to a degree considering all that is involved. Nevertheless, it’s really fantastic that you did take the time required to give this the attention it deserves.
So glad I found this. I am just starting my journey with astrology. I reread the first part of my book thinking I missed something reading about houses. I didn’t miss it because the information wasn’t there. It is very confusing being new to have one system say my moon was in 3 various houses depending on the house system. I could understand what was being explained in this article. I thank you very much. I did have to watch it at 3 different time intervals to allow myself to absorb the new to me information.
Interesting point you made about learning how to cast a chart by hand…I am in the Level-1 Course for certification with the NCGR and the one thing that I am most excited to learn is how to calculate a chart by hand. Doing things by hand or writing really impacts my ability to full comprehend what I’m doing and in turn with add more depth and meaning in reading these charts. This article is A-1. I am leaning in on the whole house division because I love going back as far as possible in time but for the sake of my certification and for keeping in modern times, I will study both Placidus and Whole House. Bless you and your work and all of those you collaborate with to so generously give these lectures.
3:38:00 This is a wonderful point you make, Chris, regarding modern astrologers basing the application of different house systems upon the sources of those systems in practice. The example you give is that some modern astrologers claim Whole Sign is more applicable for prediction and Placidus more applicable for psychological investigation, which might be based, not upon what those house systems do, but rather upon astrologers who use them. Modern astrologers see many modern psychologically-inclined astrologers using Placidus and learn about the use of Whole Sign houses in the Hellenistic period when astrologers were more predictive. I use several house systems, but source their applications astronomically (or rather upon my own projections of what their astronomical basis might suggest). In that approach, I suggest quadrant house systems are actually more Earthly than other systems since they are entirely dependent upon a very specific Earthly experience of the Heavens. Of course, Whole Sign house are based upon an Earthly experience of the astronomy as well since the first sign is determined by the Ascendant, but in any given movement of time, that rising sign is rising for about one twelfth of the Earth. We need both AS and MC degrees to determine a unique location for any moment of time.
Chris, I remember when you had Benjamin Dykes on the show to talk about his latest translation interpretation work on Abu Mash’ar solar revolutions and time lord techniques. The two of you discussed the issues that Abu Mash’ar was experiencing with whole signs and divisions deciding which system worked the best when a problem arose regarding a specific technique. Benjamin dykes teased at a possible solution for said issue regarding house systems and the potential for a new approach to apply a hybrid system or a combination of both at different times. Whether it would be ethical or even work, or even if we should be, it would be a great discussion with many tangents.
Please could you do an episode on the math? May I suggest to keep it watchable, short and to the point with visuals. I’ve been studying this right now and I am desperate to watch a good visually engaging way to learn this. It doesn’t seem like it should be hard at all but for me, keeping my attention on it is so hard. I open my Math of Astrology by Murphy and Rosato and then I get interested in another aspect of astrology and I’m down the rabbit hole! I have not had an actual lecture on the subject and it would really be great!
Just as I was working through Hellenistic Whole Sign House vs. Placidus vs. Regiomontanus (esp for Horary) the consideration of all, how it differs based on purpose etc. I think that they are essentially all different perceptions of a whole. The circle of 360 degrees as a cyclical union with no beginning nor end, it is us who coexist as part of the universal map, both part of the circle and cycles, while also the circle as a a line, and path that we walk on. Time versus eternity, the physical hand in hand with the non-physical, all these systems have their place and purpose.
Thanks for this! Wonderful work to explain this all in such a graphic and real time way! After all this i think I’ll go back to Placidus! Chart drawing is essential, and one learns a lot, but now we have this! add ing learning the use of the astrolabe would also fair well to be added. Have always wanted to animate an ASTROLABE type chart – like in the Scheme of Heaven by Alexander Boxer.- he mentions in this book Valens using an astrolabe device.
Thanks for a thorough and enlightening discussion. For the longest time I avoided looking into the origins of different House systems because they all seemd so complex and overwhelming. My current preference is for time-based systems – given that the Houses are based on Earth’s 24-hour rotation. I still prefer Placidus for natal chart readings because it appears to be more accurate in interpretations, as well as Topocentric for transits. But I’m somewhat intrigued by the simplicity of Whole Sign and Equal House systems, even though I find them less accurate when interpreting charts.
Thank-you for this. It is valuable information. I use Placidus by default, via Astrodienst. However I am fascinated by the different House systems as they were explained by the late Howard Sasportas in his book on the Houses. My first class many, many years ago was to calculate the chart by hand. For convenience sake I appreciate the computer service saving. me the time. However, becoming involved in hand calculation deepens connection to the meaning and feeling of the astrology.
I use WSH but I refer to Placidus / Koch as 2 of the more popular quadrant houses since it really changes things around in some charts – always just like to keep in mind what might be different when not using WSH. WSH have made a lot of sense to me however I have been struck the last year or so noticing a certain house ingresse in my own chart using placidus, so I’ve gone back to wondering if it may be relevant for certain techniques, even though I am still a WSH user.
I kinda use my own house system which is the ‘midnight to midnight’ system. To describe the system I use the lowest point of the sun in the sky to calculate the ascendant, I’d use an app called night sky to calculate it and then use that point to calculate the dominant sign and the karmic sign which are east and west respectively, before using the descending sign which is the highest point the sun is in the sky. Then I use the equal house system atop of it but I make it clockwise to follow the suns path rather than the anti-clockwise house system.
Hi guys, great presentation, thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m just starting out with my astrological studies at the age of 53 and this was a great help to understand how the different house systems work. Currently reading your top book recommendations for beginners Chris, all excellent so far and Luis’s book next on my to read list. I feel that this may be silly question from a complete novice, but most of the way through, i couldn’t help but think, why don’t we have a grading system for each house system taking in to consideration the accuracy of the readings they produce ? Like using all the house systems for the same chart over and over to see which one consistently gives the most accurate results ? Again, probably a silly question 🙂 Heart felt condolences to you Luis, big hugs brother 🙁
I would love a podcast on calculating charts. There’s no telling how the world might shake out and I think it is important for us not to let this valuable craft vanish into the abyss of forgotten wisdom, especially since so many good souls have worked so hard to restore ancient techniques and history. Luis is awesome and I love his devotion. Thank you for the interview. I will definitely follow his work!
1:23:58… regarding the numbering of the house, which might seem backwards since the Sun (and all Planets and Signs and ecliptic stars) rise from the quadrant 1st House into the quadrant 12th… the 1st House is the first to rise, the 2nd rises second (after the 1st), etc. The first is angular because it is applying to the angle of the Ascendant, the 2nd is succedent because it succeeds the 1st to the Ascendant. The 12th is Cadent (which means falling) because it is ‘falling’ away from the Ascendant. The Falling nature of the cadent houses is easier to see with the 9th and with the 6th. The stars of the 9th (cadent) are falling away from the MC while the stars of the 10th (angular) are applying to the Mc. The stars of the 11th (succedent) will then succeed the stars of the 10th to the Mc.
Have you considered of touching topics like: 1) Why the planets have the properties and qualities they have? Are these properties there since their creation in the beginning of the solar system? 2) If yes what would the properties of planet earth be for a person been born for example on Mars? Since Mars takes Earth’s place, then there couldn’t be any effect of Earth s Moon to that person and if not would the Moons of Mars Phobos and Deimos replace the properties of the Moon in some way? How would astrology work on a different location of our universe? 3) Are the properties of the signs contained only within our Milky Way Galaxy or are they universal? Thank you! These questions bother me for years!
My one issue with orgs requiring people to prove they can calculate charts by hand is that on its own learning the process doesn’t facilitate understanding of the underlying astronomy. It’s mostly just looking up data in a table and interpolating for the correct time and place. I can’t say I learned any important things like planetary motion (real and apparent), the intersection of the horizon and meridian with the ecliptic, and the logic of house division from the process.
For me it is so necessery that astrologers talking about maths, astronomy, or topics reletave to science. There is a huge gap around in this topics and also hard to find a good source… Getting bored about seeing pandulums and cosmic energy upgrades, websitelers, water readers everywhere… I would love to see an episode about such boring topics As a real astrology! Thank you for filling the gaps. 🙂
27:00 so probably premature as this might come up during the astronomy section, but I will voice now that only the Equal House System shows the highest altitude degree of the ecliptic above the horizon, which is always 90 degrees from the Ascendant (Equal 10th Cusp). Many astrologers incorrectly teach that the Meridian MidHeaven (Mc) is the highest point of the chart. It is not. The high point is the nonagesimal, the cusp of the Equal 10th, which is always in the 10th Whole Sign.
I see value in the WHS and l use it as my secondary system. I much prefer PHS because it puts planets in the 12th that are before the Ascendant that would otherwise all be in the 1st according to WHS.. A case in point is that l have a friend who has the 3 same Majors as me. His Sun is before his Cancer Ascendant. My Sun is after my Ascendant. Of course there are other differences but the people l know who are into Astrology and know both of us remark on our not insubstantial differences. His Sun doesn’t read as a 1st at all. Whereas I’m quite gregarious he can be almost invisible at a gathering. I have also noticed this with other WHS 1st and PHS 12th placement differences. I also pick people’s Suns 5 or 6x more frequently than a person’s Ascendant.
This should be re-published every thanksgiving just as a reminder of how great software is. Whole sign, Koch, and I’m contemplating a 3rd system for overlay. This made me want to look up an old lecture by David Eagleman about his joke philosophy of Possiblianism. Subscribe to none while also subscribing to them all. I’ve found whole sign to be most accurate in one way while house systems being something that needs really picked in probed to tune. Basically, find a subject within astrology that’s of interest and use what works best. I’m finding I’m more and more not interested (personally) in prediction astrology other than (humorously) for minor discussion making. Humorously just because of the libra placements trine moon Aquarius with gemini MC. 🤔 “I only like predictions when I’m narrowing down possible commitments…” I end up in an astrological self fulfilling prophecy. I’m actually trying to fully pin down what an astrology focus would be, I think my only leftover issue is specifically defining my own opinion on what houses mean which, to me, is messy. If I recall that’s mentioned in cosmos and psyche where the longer you look at them (anything astrologically archetypal) the more they get fuzzy. A personal cue may be when I listened to the zodiacal releasing episode where it was mentioned many are adverse to possibly losing free will, or see an ending of a peak all “that’s it?” or having higher expectations, etc. i know from minor personal experiences I’ll get asked a question as if there’s an astrological short cut or trick for a desired outcome where I have no answer because it’s never crossed my mind to even try to study such a thing.
Chris and Luis, is the descendant the point that is physically connected with the degree of the sign that is setting, or is the idea of cutting the space in half simply symbolic and due to the interest in astrologers to make the lower and upper halves of the chart an equal 180°? It seems that the farther northern latitude you find yourself that the signs rise further north of exactly east. Is there a house system that takes into account the descendant as the actual sign-degree that is setting in the west?
I took an astrology course in College in the late 1980s when I was 19 and we were taught Placidus with the Llewelyn A to Z. This was all hand done with tables ie: AFA table on houses Koch systems -which needs to be purchased, photocopies of Ephemeris etc . For our final exam, we had to do a whole reading based on birth time and location. And I got a great reading that ended up being Manson. I didn’t even know who he was until asked some one later. I got an A. I am a solid Placidus follower and, tho there is a long history of Whole Sign, I think (no offense Chris – you are a brilliant Astrologer) the Whole Sign system is lazy.
I use placidus for the reasons Steven Forrest describes for himself – I understand my chart best through this lens after decades of seeing it in this system. It’s become my astro fingerprint, but I am not proselytizing! I love to hear interpretations through different lenses including vastly different systems like Vedic astrology.
At last I managed to watch the whole article by spending almost 4 hours. But unfortunately I am disappointed because it does not talk about this very important issue of “beyond polar regions” calculations. None of these house systems work there including whole Signs house system. For instance, you will see 2 signs on the horizon and sometimes you will see the whole zodiac on the horizon and most of other times you will get only two signs (i.e; Aries and Libra) as the ascendant despite the fact that any given time or date etc. This is a long topic to talk about as a You Tube comment.
This was so well-explained and I have been able to understand the house divisions much more dimensionally. I am wondering if you both would invite astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson to discuss the north star and how it changes our signs and his general disregard for astrology as a philosophical science. I appreciate his expansive scientific work so much, but am confounded by his closed mindedness about this. youtu.be/KC4UcXFeSik