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An astronomer is a scientist who studies the universe beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. Astronomers use a variety of tools and techniques to learn about the cosmos, and they often specialize in a particular area of astronomy.
Most astronomers have a college degree in astronomy or a related field, and many also have a graduate degree.
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Educational requirements
Educational requirements for an astronomer depend on what area they want to specialize in and what position they want to hold. A bachelor’s degree in astronomy is the minimum requirement for entry-level positions. Some employers may require a master’s degree or a Ph.D. for positions in research or teaching.
Minimum requirements
To become an astronomer, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in astrophysics or a related field. Many astronomers have a master’s degree or doctorate, and some hold postdoctoral positions. A PhD is required for most independent research positions and tenure-track faculty positions in colleges and universities. Many astronomers work on teams of scientists, so good communication and interpersonal skills are important. Courses in math, computer science, and engineering are useful for careers in astronomy.
Recommended coursework
Anyone considering a career in astronomy should take as many mathematics and physics courses as possible in high school and college. An understanding of theoretical concepts is important, but equally important is the ability to apply those concepts to real-world situations. Many colleges offer programs leading to a bachelor’s degree in astronomy or a related field such as physics or engineering. These programs typically include courses in physics, mathematics, statistics, computer science, and optics, as well as astronomy. Students interested in pursuing graduate studies in astronomy should take advanced courses in physics and mathematics.
Types of astronomers
There are many types of astronomers, each with their own area of focus. Some astronomers may study the stars, while others may focus on planets or galaxies. There are also those who specialize in specific types of telescopes or instruments. No matter what their focus, all astronomers need a solid education.
Observational astronomer
An observational astronomer is an astronomer who specializest in the observation of astronomical objects and phenomena. These objects and phenomena can be studied using a variety of techniques, including visual observation, photography, spectroscopy, radiation detection, and interferometry. Many professional astronomers are also observational astronomers.
Theoretical astronomer
A theoretical astronomer studies the natural explanations for astronomical phenomena. This type of astronomer uses mathematics and physical laws to develop theories about how celestial bodies work. Many theoretical astronomers work with computer models to test their theories.
Fields of astronomy
Becoming an astronomer requires at the very least a four-year college degree, though a master’s degree or doctorate is necessary for most research positions. In fact, most astronomers have a doctorate. A few colleges and universities offer five-year programs that allow students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.
Solar astronomy
Solar astronomy is the study of our Sun. The Sun is the closest star to Earth, making it the easiest star to study. Solar astronomy is used to learn about other stars by understanding our own. The Sun is a medium-sized star and is average in brightness. It is an average distance from Earth, so it can be used as a baseline for other stars. Solar astronomy includes the study of the Sun’s atmosphere, interior, magnetic fields, and activity cycles.
Stellar astronomy
Stellar astronomy is a subfield of astronomy that deals with the study of stars and their evolution. The field of stellar astronomy has a long history and can be traced back to ancient times. Early observing astronomer-astrologers were able to classify stars by their appearance, which helped them understand the nature of stars. In the late 19th century, spectroscopy was developed, which allowed astronomers to analyze the light from stars and understand their physical properties. Today, stellar astronomy is a highly active field of research, with astronomers using a variety of techniques to study stars across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Extragalactic astronomy
Extragalactic astronomy is the branch of astronomy that studies external galaxies, including their formation and evolution. Galaxies other than our own Milky Way are extremely faint and distant, making them difficult to study. However, advances in technology have made it possible for astronomers to learn a great deal about them.
Most of what we know about extragalactic astronomy has been learned in the last century. In the early 1900s, astronomers began to suspect that the Milky Way was just one galaxy among many. This hypothesis was confirmed in 1923 when Edwin Hubble crossed an important threshold: he was able to identify individual stars in another galaxy (Andromeda). This proved beyond a doubt that Andromeda is a separate galaxy, and not just a nebula within our own.
From there, our understanding of extragalactic astronomy has grown rapidly. We now know of billions of galaxies, ranging in size from dwarf galaxies with only a few million stars to giant ellipticals with over a trillion stars. We have identified different types of galaxies (ellipticals, spirals, irregulars), and we have learned how they are distributed throughout the Universe. We have even been able to observe the most distant galaxies, which give us clues about the earliest stages of galaxy formation.
Employment outlook
Although a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for most entry-level jobs, many astronomers have a master’s degree or doctorate. Some astronomers get a job right out of college, but most find that they need further education to be competitive in the job market. The education section of this heading will tell you what you need to do to be an astronomer.
Job prospects
Those with a doctoral degree will have the best job prospects. Employment of astronomers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Competition for jobs will be very strong because there are more job seekers than there are jobs.
Salary expectations
Most entry-level astronomers have a Ph.D. in astronomy or a related science. Many astronomers get a bachelor’s degree in physics or astronomy, and then go on to get a master’s degree and/or Ph.D. Some astronomers with a bachelor’s degree work as technicians or in other jobs in astronomy.
