Can I use your artwork / figures?

Yes, as long as it isn't for commercial use and you include the proper credits. Everything on this website is copywrite 2025 Claire Lamman, CC BY-NC 4.0 (click for specific terms). If you're unsure, feel free to email me. I also just like to get messages when someone finds my work useful :)

How do you make the paper annotations?

See this page for a PowerPoint template, tips on creating annotations, and to see what others have made!

How do I become an astronomer?

General advice: Learn how to code, especially Python. Take math classes seriously but don't be discouraged if they don't seem to come naturally to you! You don't need to be a math wizard to be a great scientist, but you do need the ability to perservere through problems that are difficult for you. Avoid AI when learning. Be creative and curious.

Education: For applying to colleges, look for schools that have strong physics or astronomy undergraduate programs, with faculty that are active in research. There are astronomy jobs available to people with a bachelor's degree, but most professional astronomers have a PhD. This means you need to go to graduate school after (typially 4 years of) college. To get into a PhD program, you need research experiences. Reach out to faculty in your department about getting involved in their group by your second year of undergrad, and look for opportunities to do summer research.

More Resources: A guide to becoming an astronomer by Yvette Cendes, Advice from Katie Mack, A compliation of rescources for early-carreer scientists by Floor Broekgaarden.

What astronomy books do you recommend?

Here are just a few of the many great books out there:
  • For general public: A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking, The End of Everything by Katie Mack
  • Introductory undergrad text book: The Cosmic Perspective by Jeffrey Bennett+
  • Advanced undergrad text book: Astrophysics in a Nutshell by Dan Maoz
  • Grad-level: What else but the Big Orange Bible?? An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics by Carroll and Ostlie

Will you be my research mentor?

I am not currently looking for remote students. If we are in the same collaboration or institution, come talk to me!

Will you read my theory about the Universe?

No, sorry. I think Katie puts it best: Katie Mack FAQ.