All you need to know about pursuing a career in the field of ASTRONOMY!

What do astronomers do for a living?

Astronomers are scientists who study the planets in our solar system to learn more about “how the cosmos works.” It entails research on the evolution of stars.

Astronomers use mathematical and physical principles to conduct research into the universe. They collect data on the features of planets, moons, stars, and other objects using telescopes and computer systems. Astrophysics, Astrometeorology, Astrobiology, Astrogeology, and Astrometry are some of the areas of astronomy. Astronomers collaborate with scientists on research projects.

What is the most appealing aspect of being an astronomer?

They come upon stuff that no one has ever seen before. They spend most of their time doing research. Travelling, observing, producing reports, reading, teaching, and working in offices are all part of an astronomer’s job.

Some of the most notable astronomers in history are Galileo Galilei, Giovanni Cassini, Christiaan Huygens, Sir Isaac Newton, Edmond Halley, and Charles Messier.

What does it take to become an astronomer?

A Ph.D. degree is required to work as an astronomer. To begin, you must complete your 10+2 examinations in the science stream, with a focus on Mathematics and Physics. After that, you can enroll in an astronomy undergraduate course. You can enroll in a Physics honours/major with Mathematics as a supplementary course.

Following that, you can enroll in a postgraduate programme in physics or astronomy.

After earning a master’s degree, you can pursue an astronomy specialty leading to a Ph. D.

Obtain a Ph.D. in astronomy in a specialized field, such as radio, solar, cosmic, or galactic astronomy. Take some time to decide which area of interest is most appealing to you before committing to a certain sub-discipline. Internships and fellowships will be part of your Ph.D. programme, and they will provide invaluable experience in the area.

You’ll need to create a dissertation proposal in order to get your Ph.D. The dissertation, which can be anywhere from 80 to 100 pages long, is an in-depth examination of a specific topic in astronomy. Exploration of star formations, examination of mass planets, and analysis of radio pulsars are some examples of dissertation themes. Following the completion of your dissertation, you must pass qualifying exams in order to receive your Ph.D.

Understanding the secrets of the universe will be your work as an astronomer. Within the area of astronomy, there are numerous alternatives from which to choose your favourite and specialized part!

You have the potential to be:

• As a Planetary Astronomer, you will research planets, galaxies, and create incredible new equipment.
• A Radio Astronomer uses telescopes to learn about astronomical objects at radio frequencies.
• Solar and Stellar Astronomers collect information on the solar system and its inhabitants, study constellations, and find new groups of stars.
• Become a Cosmologist and study all about the origin, evolution, and future of the universe.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Astronomer:

Observe and research the universe’s composition of matter and energy.

• Conduct research into space, stars, the moon, galaxies, and other related topics.
• Their findings should be published in journals.
• Participate in conferences, seminars, and meetings.
• If you pursue a career in academia, you will spend your time conducting research, publishing research papers, educating students, and presenting your findings at academic conferences all over the world.
• Using computers, perform sophisticated computations as part of data analysis and evaluation.
• Using mathematical language, describe and convey your observations and conclusions.
• Analyze data from studies on physical phenomena detection and measurement.
• Write papers for scientific journals or deliver information at scientific conferences to report on experimental outcomes.
• Create computer simulations to model physical facts and make them more understandable.
• Develop theories and rules based on observation and experiments, then apply them to issues in domains such as aeronautical technology.

Soft skills needed:

• Conscious Learning
• Critical Thinking
• Science\Physics\Mathematics
• Data Interpretation and Complex Problem Solving
• Capacity for research
• Social Sensitivity

Career Options:

There are additional options for utilizing your knowledge outside becoming an astronomy professor and researcher in academia:

Apply for a position at an observatory

Observatories give you the chance to connect with the public as a resident astronomer. Curating astronomy exhibits and authoring books or papers on specific sections of the science are common responsibilities.

Job openings in the aerospace and computer science industries are available

These jobs give you the opportunity to work in a field other than academia. They may be great for people who wish to collaborate with other scientists and astronomers.

Fill out an application for a job at a space agency

Working for a space agency will allow you to cooperate on the study of the cosmos with other astronomers and scientists. NASA is the United States’ largest space agency.

Salary and Job security

• Astronomy is in high demand.
• Astronomy has a high salary level. The average income for freshers is more than 5 lacs.
• The course’s fee structure is Medium. Students must invest between 3 and 4 lakhs to pursue this course.
• Astronomy requires a high level of preparation. Students spend more than a year studying for the Astronomy entrance exam.

Astronomical Associations and their role:

The American Astronomical Society (AAS) is North America’s largest professional astronomy organization. The society hosts yearly meetings publishes scientific journals, runs a job portal, and promotes astronomical research.

The Worldwide Astronomical Union promotes and advances the profession by facilitating international cooperation. Each year, the organization hosts nine international symposia.

It also serves as the authority for naming celestial bodies and their features, as well as defining astronomical terminology. Through sections covering areas of specialization, commissions, and working groups, the society provides networking possibilities.

Also read: Tips to improve working memory in online classes

FAQs

1. Name some of the most famous astrologers?

Ans: Some of the most notable astronomers in history are Galileo Galilei, Giovanni Cassini, Christiaan Huygens, Sir Isaac Newton, Edmond Halley, and Charles Messier.

2. Mention any 5 skills needed to become an astrologer?

Ans:

• Conscious Learning
• Critical Thinking
• Science\Physics\Mathematics
• Data Interpretation and Complex Problem Solving
• Capacity for research

3. What are the various roles and responsibilities of an astrologer?

Ans:

• Conduct research into space, stars, the moon, galaxies, and other related topics.
• Their findings should be published in journals.
• Participate in conferences, seminars, and meetings.
• If you pursue a career in academia, you will spend your time conducting research, publishing research papers, educating students, and presenting your findings at academic conferences all over the world.
• Using computers, perform sophisticated computations as part of data analysis and evaluation.