With R Applications For many years, astronomers have struggled with the application of sophisticated statistical methodologies to analyze their rich datasets and address complex astrophysical problems. On one hand, at least in the United States, astronomers receive little or no formal training in statistics. The traditional method of education has been informal exposure to a few familiar methods during early research experiences. On the other hand, astronomers correctly perceive that a vast world of applied mathematical and statistical methodologies has emerged in recent decades. But systematic, broad training in modern statistical methods has not been available to most astronomers.