Astronomer
An astronomer is a highly trained scientist who studies celestial bodies and natural phenomena in the universe, such as planets, stars, black holes, and cosmic rays. Typically requiring a doctoral or professional degree, these professionals engage in extensive research, often utilizing advanced technology, including telescopes and radio observatories, to gather and analyze data. They operate in diverse environments, primarily in laboratories and remote observatories, where they may work long hours at night to minimize light pollution.
Astronomers possess strong skills in mathematics, physics, and engineering, allowing them to develop theoretical models and conduct experiments. They are also responsible for communicating their research findings through scholarly papers and presentations to the scientific community and the public. Collaboration is common, as astronomers often work alongside other scientists and students, contributing to a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the cosmos. With a median annual income of approximately $149,530 and a job outlook that is faster than average, a career in astronomy can be both intellectually rewarding and financially stable for those passionate about exploring the unknown.
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Subject Terms
Astronomer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, research, appreciation of the unknown
Earnings (Yearly Median): $149,530 per year $71.89 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 7% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Doctoral or professional degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. An astronomer is a scientist who studies celestial objects such as planets, moons, stars, and entire galaxies. Astronomers also study natural space phenomena such as black holes, sunspots, solar winds, and interstellar mediums such as dust, gases, and cosmic rays. An astronomer conducts a great deal of research, using theoretical models and equipment such as telescopes and radio observatories. These professionals write and publish scholarly papers and present their findings at government agencies, within the academic community, and at scientific conferences.
Work Environment. Astronomers generally work in two locations: in a laboratory setting or at a remote location with minimal light pollution. In a laboratory setting, an astronomer might use computer models and technologies to analyze data, formulate theories, and record their findings. At a dark-sky location or observatory, typically in a remote location, an astronomer will study space-based objects and phenomena through telescopes and other technologies. At such remote observatories, it is common for astronomers to work long hours at night, when light pollution is at its lowest levels. Astronomers may also work in teams, collaborating on research studies.
Occupation Interest. Individuals interested in pursuing astronomy must be highly capable of understanding and applying the principles of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering. They must have strong analytical skills and demonstrate an ability to study and keep track of large amounts of complex information and data. Astronomers typically have advanced degrees beyond the undergraduate level, including both postgraduate and doctoral degrees. People who are interested in becoming astronomers must also possess a strong appreciation for the unexplained and unknown phenomena within the universe. Through persistence, such phenomena can begin to be explained—even if, sometimes, only in small steps.
A Day in the Life–Duties and Responsibilities. Much of the typical workday for an astronomer is spent in the laboratory conducting research and studying data. They may conduct experiments using particle accelerators, lasers, and radio systems in order to create models for and formulate theories on space phenomena. Using the concepts of mathematics and physics, astronomers will attempt to discover new objects, study cosmic forces, and further chart the universe. In addition to laboratory work, astronomers may also spend weeks or longer in remote locations operating equipment such as large optical and radio telescopes to supplement their research.
In addition to conducting experiments, collecting and compiling data, and formulating theories, astronomers must write scholarly papers on their findings and submit them to scientific journals, government agencies (such as NASA), and other scientific bodies or organizations. Astronomers must often present their findings and theories to their peers—and, to an extent, the general public—an activity that often occurs at universities, astronomy-oriented conferences, or within the organization at which the astronomer is employed. In light of this responsibility, an astronomer must be able to communicate clearly and demonstrate strong presentation skills.
Along with their research pursuits, many astronomers have more managerial and technical responsibilities. Some astronomers, for example, work in planetariums, where they are responsible for providing non-technical presentations on space to students and other visitors. Other astronomers must maintain research equipment, a responsibility that includes cleaning optical telescope lenses, calibrating radio dishes, and coordinating satellite-based technologies.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Most of the work of the astronomer is performed at laboratories and observatories. In both of these settings, the environment must be clean and well-organized in order to prevent corruption of data and/or equipment malfunctions and facility accidents.
Plant Environment. Astronomers work in small, medium, and large laboratories, observatories, and similar facilities. These research facilities may be based in academia, such as at a research university or college, where astronomers are also responsible for bringing in grant money and teaching and supervising students, or at government-funded labs and national observatories. They also work in planetariums and museums.
Human Environment. Astronomers must work with other team members, collaborating on research and operating equipment. Astronomers will work with fellow astronomers, engineers, physicists, and mathematicians. They will also work with other non-scientific personnel, such as facility managers and directors. Furthermore, professional astronomers may be joined by interns, university students, and computer scientists. Astronomers employed as professors at research universities or teaching colleges must interact with the students they are teaching and advising.
Technological Environment. Astronomers use a wide range of technological equipment to aid them in their research and experiments. They will operate optical and radio telescopes, lasers, particle accelerators, and other large-scale equipment. Additionally, they will use computers to collect and compile data and to manage the collection of information from satellite-based technology located in orbit. Many astronomers use analytical or scientific software like IBM SPSS Statistics or MathWorks MATLAB, as well as development environment software like National Instruments LabVIEW.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students who wish to become astronomers can best prepare by studying mathematics through pre-calculus levels. Such math training helps lay the groundwork for the complex mathematics they will study in college. Additionally, high school students should take courses in chemistry and physics. Many students take physics and mathematics at the advanced placement (AP) level, although such training is not required. To further their early understanding of astronomy, students should also consider joining science-related groups at their school, participating in a state-sponsored junior academy of science, or simply contacting their local amateur astronomy club or organization. Lastly, students should also familiarize themselves with what they can see at night, be it constellations, planets, or any other object commonly seen in the nighttime sky.
Postsecondary. Because astronomy is often considered a subfield of physics, students at the collegiate and postgraduate levels will study other subsets or branches within this field, including magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and quantum physics and theory. College students should also continue to build on their mathematical skills, including courses in advanced algebra, calculus, and trigonometry. Additionally, the fact that twenty-first-century astronomy relies on computers for data collection and model building means that undergraduate college students must study computer science to help them explore new concepts in this field. As there are a number of applications for astronomy, some students may choose to study geology as well.
After the undergraduate level, students must pursue their master’s degree and doctorate (PhD), although some astronomers will enter into professional practice after receiving their master’s degree. In addition to the continuation of core courses in physics, astronomy, and astrophysics, much of the work at this level is research-oriented, and students must design and pursue their own individual projects under the supervision of faculty members. Those who earn a doctorate often subsequently spend anywhere from three to six years in at least one postdoctoral position at a university or research institution.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
"Astronomers." My Next Move, 2024, www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/19-2011.00. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Careers in Astronomy." International Astronomical Union, 2010, www.iau.org/public/themes/careers. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Physicists and Astronomers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/physicists-and-astronomers.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.