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Astronomers

Careers / Astronomers

Summary Description


	Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Analytical Sciences Director

2.	Assistant Professor

3.	Associate Professor

4.	Astronomer

5.	Astronomy Department Chair

6.	Astronomy Professor

7.	Astrophysicist

8.	Data Sciences Director

9.	Institute Director

10.	Institute Scientist

11.	Life Sciences Director

12.	Lunar and Planetary Institute Director

13.	National Radio Astronomy Observatory Director

14.	Observatory Director

15.	Physics and Astronomy Professor

16.	Physics Professor

17.	Professor

18.	Research Scientist

19.	Scientist

20.	Space Sciences Director

Job Tasks

	Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.

	Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.

	Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers. Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.

	Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects. Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.

	Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals. Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

	Raise funds for scientific research.

	Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.

	Teach astronomy or astrophysics. Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.

	Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis. Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.

	Review scientific proposals and research papers. Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.

	Serve on professional panels and committees.

	Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation. Provide technical information or assistance to public.

	Calculate orbits and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies.

	Direct the operations of a planetarium. Direct scientific activities.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Physicists and Astronomers
	Physicists and astronomers study the ways in which various forms of matter and energy interact. Theoretical physicists and astronomers may study the nature of time or the origin of the universe. Some physicists design and perform experiments with sophisticated equipment such as particle accelerators, electron microscopes, and lasers.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Physicists and Astronomers
	Physicists and astronomers spend much of their time working in offices, but they also conduct research in laboratories and observatories. Most physicists and astronomers work full time.

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