What Do Astronomers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Astronomers observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems. They also study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.

Other tasks include:

• Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
• Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
• Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
• Raise funds for scientific research.
• Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.

We asked Astronomers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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69% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 65% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Astronomers analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers. They study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.

• Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
• Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
• Direct the operations of a planetarium.
• Teach astronomy or astrophysics.
• Calculate orbits and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies.

We asked some Astronomers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	22% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	15% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	50% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	3% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	0% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	0% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Astronomers also teach astronomy or astrophysics. They may also collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Astronomers Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis. They might also Review scientific proposals and research papers.

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

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.

To some Astronomers, it is also their responsibility to Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Irregular work schedule that changes depending on weather conditions, customer demand or contract duration.

In a typical work week as an Astronomer, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/life-physical-and-social-science/physicists-and-astronomers.htm

http://aas.org/

http://www.compadre.org/careers/

http://www.aip.org/