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Job Description: How old are the oldest stars? How did the first galaxies form in the universe? Why is most of the mass in the universe not directly observable? What is the nature of this "dark matter?" Will the universe expand forever? Astronomers use powerful Supercomputers to, among other things, model cosmic jets and the environment around pulsars and black holes, simulate galaxy collisions, and devise better theories on how galaxies clustered into large-scale structures in the early universe. Astronomers fall into two general categories. Observational astronomers study the stars and galaxies using equipment such as radio, optical, and X-ray telescopes, spectrographs, and satellite-mounted television cameras with computer-controlled image intensifiers. Theoretical astronomers work on developing theories from observations they make themselves or from those made by other astronomers. They develop mathematical equations derived from the laws of physics, and apply these equations to observations. They may calculate the composition of stars, galaxies, planets and formulate ideas on how they developed and how they will die. Theoretical astronomers rely heavily on computers to solve intricate equations.

Duties: Astronomers may perform some or all of the following:

• Study celestial phenomena from ground or atmosphere using various optical devices
• Design optical, mechanical and electronic instruments for astronomical research
• Develop mathematical tables giving positions of sun, moon, planets, and stars at given times for use by air and sea navigators
• Analyze wave lengths of radiation from celestial bodies as observed in all ranges of spectrum
• Determine exact time by celestial observations
• Conduct research into relationships between time and space
• Study history, structure, extent, and evolution of stars, stellar systems, and universe
• Compute positions of sun, moon, planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies
• Calculate orbits and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies

For detailed information on tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, work activities, work contexts, job zones, interests, work styles, work values, and related occupations visit the O*Net Online, a division of the National Center for Occupational Information.

Working Conditions: Astronomers may work in planetariums, science museums, or in other public service positions. Astronomers who make observations using ground-based telescopes may spend long periods in observatories; this work usually involves travel to remote locations and may require long hours, including nightwork. Some astronomers who obtain a higher educational degree may teach in colleges and universities. Some astronomers work in secondary schools teaching physics, science journalism, or earth sciences.

Educational Requirements: A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal educational degree required for this occupation. Astronomy bachelor's or master's degree holders often enter a field unrelated to astronomy. Others may work in planetariums running science shows, assist astronomers doing research, or operate space-based and ground-based telescopes and other astronomical instrumentation. Generally, students who take mathematics or science courses after the tenth grade have the best chance of successfully pursuing a science career. Although most colleges require at least one year of high school science and two years of high school mathematics, this minimum background is insufficient for students planning to major in science. A better approach is to complete math through pre-calculus in high school. This gives students who plan to major in astronomy or physics the necessary grounding in mathematics needed to start their science courses as soon as they begin college. Both chemistry and physics courses are also strongly recommended in high school as adequate preparation for the first year of college. Many entering students have taken advanced placement calculus and/or physics, though these courses are not required. Students are also encouraged to get involved in high school science groups, state junior academies of science, and local amateur astronomy clubs. For more information visit A New Universe to Explore: Careers in Astronomy online.

A site specifically designed for students in grades K-8, StarChild: A Learning Center for Young Astronomers is a service of the High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC) at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

Outlook: Astronomy is a relatively small field with approximately 6,000 professional astronomers in North America. Employment of physicists and astronomers is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2012. Federal research expenditures are the major source of astronomy-related research funds. For more information, visit the nationally recognized Occupational Outlook Handbook online.

Salary

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee Department of Labor website
• TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development website
• Bureau of Economic Analysis website

For an explanation of salary data please visit acinet.org

Last updated on: January 29, 2008