Astronomers observe planets, stars, galaxies, and other bodies and matter in space, with the help of data collected from ground-based space and telescopes probes. They do this to get a better technical knowledge of the cosmic world, and to educate themselves about any spectacle — to see the changes they cause and forecast any that might occur. Astronomers might use this information for applied research purposes. Know how to become an astronomer.
They naturally work in combination with other scientific experts, and their work might take place at laboratories, observatories, or private facilities.
If there is an astronomy observatory nearby you, then pay them a visit. Observatories are a great way to familiarize yourself with the field of astronomy. You might also get a chance to speak with a professional astronomer at an observatory. There is no better way to understand a career field than by speaking to someone who is by now working in that field.
Astronomer Job Description
An astronomer studies the wonders of the heavens that take place in the skies. Unlike astrophysics, that attempts to clarify the phenomena, astronomy is connected with the description and classification of events. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that astronomers include the study of physics and mathematics in their study of celestial bodies like stars and planets.
As an astronomer, you will work in conjunction with astrophysicists and mathematicians to answer the question of how the universe functions and in examining stellar matter. When working as an astronomer, you might use huge, ground-based telescopes for discoveries and to discover and observe new planets.
You might work in observatories and planetariums all over the world, and you may often travel to distant locations for your duties. Astronomers examine observations that are collected remotely with space-based instruments, like Chandra X-Ray Observatory and Hubble Space Telescope. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this technology can notice astronomical wonders not visible while using ground-based instruments,
However, making remarks and collecting information from telescopes is a small part of an astronomer’s job. You usually spend only a few weeks every year collecting data, and the remaining time is spent in examinations. You will even write grant proposals to reserve astronomy projects, present your technical findings at seminars and work with community groups for astronomy outreach.
Astronomer Education
In order to be an astronomer you will require an advanced graduate degree. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many astronomers have a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in physics, astronomy, or a similar field, which is normally essential for university faculty, researchers and managerial positions. In a few cases, even postdoctoral training and research might be required.
Compulsory courses might include electromagnetic theory, methodology, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, atmospheric physics, inverse methods, atmospheric dynamics, remote sensing, data analysis, atmospheric radiative transfer, and computational fluid dynamics.
Doctoral programs typically also comprise an important amount of laboratory work where you’ll have the chance to accomplish innovative research. You can also expect to comprehensively defend a thesis based on your research. Try to take science and mathematics courses as you can while you’re in university. You must even finish chemistry, pre-calculus, and physics by the time you advance.
Required Skills
If you want to be an astronomer, you have to be someone with a fiery curiosity about the world. You have to be quite an organized and logical person. As per the BLS, astronomers must have the ability to resolve difficulties, precisely examine data and conduct research. They require strong science and math skills, along with being about to work within a team. It even benefits to have knowledge of particular science-related software courses.
Astronomer Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has stated that in June 2019, there were 2500 astronomers employed in the U.S. and making an average annual salary of $213,080, with most of them employed by universities and colleges.
The federal government paid the highest average salaries $150,560 and hired a large amount of astronomers. In addition, astronomers can expect a 7% job growth at the time of 2018-2028 period, which is as high as the average for all other occupations.
Employment Information
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected job prospects for astronomers to rise by 12% in the 2023-2023 decade (www.bls.gov). Many astronomers are hired by universities, research centers or the federal government that function in close interaction with the government and universities agencies, so long-term employment forecasts depend on the budgets of those agencies and universities, and the funds allotted to the astronomy projects they function.
Conclusion:
Astronomy is a great challenge. The first step to selecting a career is to ensure you are actually willing to pursuing the career. Make sure you give emphasis to your schooling, your work experience, and your specific field of study when planning to choose this career.
