<p>So I want to be at the forefront of space missions doing science such as missions to Europa, Jupiter, etc. But here on Earth I would also like to give back by doing research in renewable energy and the like, working with solar cells, cold fusion (just kidding), stuff like that. I am thinking a major in physics would help, but would a major in Earth and Planetary Science also help on the energy side of things? I need a double major to go with physics that is doable. Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>To do the things you aspire to, you will probably need an advanced degree. Why get a double major if it costs you an extra year? A physics degree is a good place to start from to go into any number of graduate programs. This will give you a solid foundation for work in the energy field and then you can decide on a graduate program which meets your goals. Even a Ph.D. in physics is a reasonable choice for this.</p>
<p>What about the earth science part? Do you think that will enhance my energy studies?</p>
<p>Missions to Europa… Jupiter… etc. I feel that projects that would involve in stuff like this would be more engineering-based, and jobs are very rare since almost nobody wants to fund something like that. SpaceX is currently working on a spacecraft to send to Mars. Not sure what NASA is up to nowadays, I don’t think that they would really be looking for mainly “scientists” in an endeavor like this, namely physicists, astrophysicists, astronomers etc. more so engineers.</p>
<p>As for energy research, nuclear physics/engineering can offer you some ideas if you’re into nuclear. Fusion being a “gold mine” in the horizon. Nuclear research I think is pretty good and there’s a bit of an industrial drive for it as well. I don’t really think planetary science will help all that much, unless you are going to look into geothermal, hydropower and stuff. Geology and other planetary science majors typically work for petroleum companies.</p>
<p>If you’re going to graduate school I wouldn’t recommend taking another major in addition to physics, so I’ve been told, to maintain the high GPA, as long as you can figure out what you want to do. You won’t really have to specialize until you are doing your PhD research. </p>