Astronomer Job Description, Skills and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an astronomer. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an astronomer.
Who is an Astronomer?
Astronomers are among the most prestigious professions in science. Since the beginning of time, people have been looking at the beautiful night sky, wanting to know more about the stars and other celestial objects with an understanding of how they function. Astronomers are time travelers. They look back in time to the moment when the Universe was first created. They look for light from planetary systems, stars, and galaxies. In reality, it takes a long time for light to reach us here on Earth so when it finally does, certain of these objects could not even be there anymore.
Astronomers seek to understand the nature of matter. They investigate conditions that are only found in space and can’t be observed on Earth and find the particles involved in these processes. To accomplish this, astronomers conduct research that is both practical and theoretical. They develop theories and conduct tests and observations that complement one another. Researchers develop computational models, which are mathematical models that are based on theoretic equations that allow them to visualize and simulate the behavior of complex systems, and also examine physical processes by analyzing the various parameters. With models, astronomers can create simulations, such as the Martian atmosphere, or the interaction between an exoplanet’s parent star.
Astronomers research the galaxies, the stars, the planets as well as other objects that are in space, with data gathered by ground-based telescopes and space probes. They conduct this research to gain more scientific knowledge of the universe’s cosmic structure and also to analyze any phenomena to understand the effects they have on our environment and anticipate any changes that might take place. Astronomers might use this data for research-related purposes. They usually collaborate with other experts in the field and their work could be conducted at observatories, labs, or even private facilities.
Astronomers investigate the elements of the universe with the goal of improving their understanding of how the universe functions whether life is present or existed elsewhere, and how astronomers can apply their knowledge of the universe’s phenomena to other areas of research. Common objects of research include black holes, planetary bodies, galaxies, and a myriad of other phenomena that are not part of our solar system. Astronomers conduct investigations and examine hypotheses, compose research papers and communicate their findings to fellow researchers and the general public.
There are various areas of study in the field of astronomy, such as solar astronomy, stellar astronomy, and planet astronomy. Typically, astronomers are specialized in a particular area and focus the bulk of their work on this particular field.
To carry out their job, astronomers depend on several tools like telescopes, cameras, computers, and spectrographs. By utilizing these instruments, they can observe and collect information about the structure of the universe.
Astronomer Job Description
Below are the astronomer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
- Developing new hypotheses regarding the universe
- Proposing research proposals and research papers to obtain the funding
- Conducting large amounts of research on a particular area of astronomy.
- Utilizing specialized equipment such as telescopes and satellite cameras, you can make use of specialized equipment like telescopes and satellite
- Publishing their findings so that people and other amateur astronomers may have access to their findings
- Collaborating with other scientists to complete the full study and create new tests
- Collaborating with other professionals in research, creation, and design of solutions
- Communicating and working within teams that may comprise otherwise of other scientists, technicians, and engineers.
- Collecting data by observation, and research to create new software and instruments
- Testing and developing theories based on personal observations and the observations of fellow scientists
- Writing articles and papers together with other scientists
If you are an astronomer you make use of big, ground-based telescopes to discover new things and discover new planets. You may work in observatories and planetariums all over the world, and might often have to be in remote areas as you fulfill your tasks. Astronomers study observations obtained remotely by using instruments from space, like those of the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-Ray. This technology can detect the astronomical phenomenon that is not visible using instruments that are grounded according to NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
But, taking observations and obtaining information from telescopes are only a tiny portion of the job of an astronomer. It is typical to spend just a few weeks per year collecting data and the rest of your time is used to analyze the data. You can also make grants to fund research in astronomy, expose your research results at conferences, and collaborate with community and school groups to promote outreach and education.
Qualifications
Astronomers are highly skilled people who invest a lot of time learning the required practical and theoretical knowledge. They also require certain abilities to be able to carry out their responsibilities and duties:
Education
Astronomers require a doctoral degree to be able to focus on their area of expertise. The typical astronomer receives a bachelor’s degree from physics or astrophysics, or the field of astronomy. It includes classes in areas such as math, physics, calculus, astronomy, and statistics. After completing this, they can pursue a master’s degree in astrophysics, or physics. This generally lasts for two years and could comprise a combination of different classes. The curriculum for master’s degrees varies however, they may also include courses in theoretical studies such as cosmology, astrophysics, and hydrodynamics.
In addition, when they obtain a Ph.D., candidates specialize in a specific field of astronomy, like galactic or solar astronomy. The process of obtaining a Ph.D. degree normally takes approximately three years following the completion of the master’s degree and requires intensive research under the supervision of a specialist in the subject, which culminates in a dissertation that is published.
Training
Many aspiring astronomers seek postdoctoral positions after having obtained their Ph.D. qualifications. A postdoctoral job can either last for two or three years. It could include participation in a research program or undertaking independent research in a particular area. In addition to instructing and mentoring students in junior years. Postdoctoral research is often conducted together with fellow researchers.
Certifications
Because astronomy is an intricate and complex field, those who would like to pursue a career in the field will require years of education and study. Mist astronomers do not typically obtain certifications in their field.
Astronomers can join these professional organizations to share ideas, have access to modern facilities, and participate in scientific meetings, as well as research presentations:
- Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)
The AURA organization, made up of 47 U.S. institutions and three international affiliates, manages several public observatories, including Gemini Observatory and the National Solar Observatory (NSO), for NASA as well as for the National Science Foundation. Researchers who are members of these institutions can access these facilities. in addition, all members through elected representatives, have input into AURA issues.
- American Astronomical Society (AAS)
AAS is the primary organization for professional astronomers across the U.S. and has over 6,500 members. These comprise engineers, astronomers, geologists, mathematicians, and physicists. Anyone who wants to join AAS must have a graduate degree in astronomy or related science. They must also have published papers in reputable international journals. AAS members are invited to participate in international gatherings in which they deliver papers and listen to famous speakers from around the world on current issues.
Essential Skills
Alongside advanced understanding of areas like mathematics and physics, astronomers require a variety of different skills to manage their tasks. They require:
- Teamwork
Because astronomy is an ingenious and complicated field, astronomers frequently collaborate with other experts when conducting research. The everyday tasks of an astronomer require collaboration with experts in other disciplines, like technicians and engineers. Astronomers have to be effective communicators and can work as part of a team.
- Creative Thinking
Astronomy is a subject that requires both problem-solving and imaginative thinking. Because their work is a mixture of numerous mysteries that remain an unsolved and unknown territory, they need to think differently and occasionally create bold speculations.
- Computer skills
Astronomers’ work is closely connected to computers and technological advancements. These experts work with intricate software programs and typically create complicated systems. They require extensive knowledge of computers and programming languages.
- Writing skills
After experimenting with theories, and tackling complex scientific issues, astronomers publish their discoveries in reports or academic papers. Because their research usually needs a large amount of funding and expertise, they also need to craft convincing grants proposals.
- Engineering and mechanical skills
Many astronomers design the instruments themselves, and this requires an advanced understanding of electronics and mechanics.
How to Become an Astronomer
Here are some guidelines you can take to begin the career of an astronomer.
- Earn a degree in a field of science
Many astronomers hold advanced degrees, however, they typically complete bachelor’s degree programs to create the foundation for knowledge in the fundamental subjects they may require. For instance, many potential scientists major in fields of science in their undergraduate studies like Physics, astronomy, or even life science. This is because these kinds of courses can give specific information on science concepts and permit students to get experience using the latest methods of research and experiments.
In the case of applying for bachelor’s programs, it’s advantageous to ensure that the colleges you’re considering have comprehensive science departments to study the topics you’ll need later on as a full-time astronomer.
- Get a Ph.D. in astronomy.
After you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree, then you can begin your Ph.D. program in the field of astronomy. While certain Ph.D. programs might ask applicants to hold master’s degrees, most require applicants to hold bachelor’s degrees. The majority of employers for astronomers require a Ph.D. to perform independent work and this is an essential aspect in making sure you are prepared for the position. In the Ph.D. course in astronomy, you will be able to research subjects like physics, mechanical astrophysics, starlight astrophysics as well as interstellar radiation and gas processes.
To locate that Ph.D. program that’s right for you, do some study on the different programs and courses they offer and choose one that you feel is the most appropriate to your goals in the field.
- Create an online network
When you earn a Ph.D., try to get to know other students in astronomy and professional astronomers. This will allow you to create a professional network that can be reached out to in the future for help, advice, or comments on the research, and occasionally job openings. One of the most effective ways to connect with fellow scientists is by way of a Ph.D. program You can also be a part of an organization or professional society that is focused on the field of astronomy. One of the most popular organizations for astronomers is that of the American Astronomical Society, which connects astronomers throughout America.
- Experience research experience
The majority of the work done by astronomers typically involves the conduction of large volumes of research. Due to this, employers are looking for applicants who have previous experience in research and possess superior research abilities. To acquire experience in research you may submit applications for positions in research at your institution or at a lab that employs astronomers. Some fellowships include groups of astronomers or labs that let you finish your work in astronomy while still learning from experienced professionals. If you’re part of a professional network, it is possible to connect with your contacts to inquire about research positions at an entry-level position.
- Find positions as an astronomer
After you have gained some professional experience in research, you can begin looking for positions that are open to astronomers. One of the best methods of finding jobs is to reach your contacts to inquire about job opportunities. You can also search for jobs in the astronomical field through a search engine or job search site.
Where to Work?
The work environments of astronomers are diverse. They may be employed as researchers or professors staff at universities, and other individuals may be employed in government-sponsored laboratories and observatories. Some are employed by private companies including aerospace companies.
Astronomers Salary Scale
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median wage for astronomers is $119,730 annually. This implies that half of the astronomers earned more than that and the other half earned less. Astronomers’ earnings are based on their work location and geographical place of work.