TheEnKrypt

Travelling to all those countries leaves you open to experience a vast array of different cultures.

Which country has given you the biggest culture shock so far?

Holy shit, I cannot believe I didn't read your username when I commented.

I want you to know what an inspiration you've been to me. I think I can safely say that my decision to become a scientist from an engineer was mostly your doing.

As a child, I would watch the stars from my balcony. I noticed that some stars eventually "moved". I realized that those were planets! It was like I'd uncovered an intimate secret of the universe by myself and the spark was lit.

When I'd go on reddit, I'd find your 'Astronomer here!' comments every now and then explaining more and more such secrets, and before I knew it, I was infatuated.

I've seen the occasional posts through your journey as an astronomer and I remember seeing you with the meteorite collection thinking that this is the kind of career I eventually want when I'm older.

Thank you. I hope to one day be bigger inspiration than you have to me.

I've been a software dev for the past half decade. What are some useful ways in which I can apply my skills to astrophysics? For eg. I'd imagine scope of using ML or AI on data from some of the big telescopes would yield interesting results.

Also I'm strongly considering to apply for a PhD program in astrophysics as well. Any advice on where to start if I want some prior research experience?

Inteed

Glad to have you here, James!

As a mathematician, how many digits of Pi can you recall off the top of your head?