How long will I have to go to school? First you'll go to college for four or maybe five years to get a bachelor's degree. A bachelor of science BS in astronomy is best, but you can still get into grad school with a bachelor of arts BA , or a degree in physics or even other fields. It's important to get good grades in college and to score well on your Graduate Record Exam a big ugly standardized physics test you take your senior year , but what really makes candidates for grad school stand out is their research experience.
As soon as you can, talk to your professors about working on a research project. You might work on data analysis, instrument building, computer programming, or lots of other fun stuff. Also be alert to opportunities like the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, where you work at another university for a summer, or the summer student programs at the national astronomy observatories. After college comes graduate school.
You'll take more classes at first, and then shift into doing more research, and culminating in writing a doctoral thesis. You'll probably get some experience in front of a classroom by being a teaching assistant. It's really hard work, but to avoid scaring the pants off you, I'll smile stiffly and repeat what I've been told so many times: These are the best years of your life. You will be enjoying the best years of your life for five or six years or more, or less, in some exceptional cases.
There are a very small number of jobs available for people who only have a Master's degree in astronomy, primarily in public outreach and teaching. Unless you have a very specific idea of what you want to do, and you're sure you can do it with just an M. Britt studies the rings of Saturn. What kind of schooling is necessary to become an astronomer? This page was last updated on June 19, Most aspiring astronomers apply for postdoctoral fellowships after they have completed their Ph.
A postdoctoral position, which normally lasts between two to three years, involves joining an existing research program or conducting independent research in a specialized field, as well as teaching and mentoring junior students. Postdoctoral research often takes place in collaboration with other scientists. As astronomy is such a complex and intricate subject, and one in which those who wish to enter the profession need years of study and training, they do not normally earn certifications in their field.
However, astronomers can join the following professional organizations, where they can exchange ideas, gain access to advanced facilities and attend collaborative meetings and research presentations:.
This organization, which consists of 47 U. Qualified researchers from member institutions have access to these world-class facilities, and all members, via appointed representatives, have a say in AURA matters.
AAS is the main organization for professional astronomers in the U. Those who wish to join AAS must possess a graduate degree in astronomy or related science and have published articles in recognized international journals. Members take part in international meetings, where they can present papers and listen to world-renowned speakers on current topics.
Besides advanced knowledge in subjects like mathematics and physics, astronomers need a range of diverse skills to successfully navigate their duties. As astronomy is such an innovative and complex discipline, astronomers regularly collaborate with other specialists in their research. The daily activities of an astronomer also involve working closely with professionals in other fields, such as engineers and technicians. Astronomers need to be good communicators and must function well in teams.
Studying astronomy requires problem-solving and creative thinking. Since the work of astronomers involves many unsolved mysteries and unexplored territory, they have to think creatively and sometimes make bold conjectures. The work of astronomers is closely linked to computers and technology. These specialists work with intricate software programs and often design complex systems. They need extensive knowledge of computer systems and programming languages.
After developing and testing theories and wrestling with complex scientific problems, astronomers share their findings in written reports, academic articles and papers.
The world of astronomy is an exciting one, and there are many career paths that can be taken into this fantastic branch of science. Astronomy is a unique subject because it deals with such a vast mixture of topics — the very reason why many people find it so exciting!
As it is about the physics of the whole universe and how everything in it works, astronomers need to have a good knowledge of physics and maths, and chemistry is pretty helpful too. Immerse yourself in astronomy and find out all you can. You may choose to join an astronomical society to be able to speak to other people that share your love of the subject and get some observing experience too.
As well as physics and maths, literacy and communication are also crucial to a career in astronomy. If you become an astronomer you will need to be able to communicate your subject with your peers and also increasingly with the public. Already a member?
Login Forgot password? Home Careers Astronomer. How to become an Astronomer. Tasks Supervises and co-ordinates the work of technicians and technologists.. Tests the reliability of these methodologies and techniques by performing tests and experiments under various conditions..
Prepares scientific papers and reports, or supervises their preparation.. Develops analytical methodologies and techniques to investigate the structure and properties of matter, the relationships between matter and energy, and other physical phenomena.. May specialise in one or more branches of physics such as electrical, luminescent, mechanical, magnetic, radioactive, molecular, nuclear, ionospheric, atmospheric physics and signal analysis..
Working conditions for an Astronomer Astronomers usually perform either observational or theoretical tasks. Employment Opportunities for an Astronomer Most astronomers work in government agencies, such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation CSIRO ; in observatories, including the Australia Telescope National Facility for radio astronomers and the Australian Astronomical Observatory for optical astronomers ; or in universities.
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