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

  • Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
  • Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
  • Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
  • Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
  • Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
  • Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena.
  • Raise funds for scientific research.
  • Teach astronomy or astrophysics.
  • Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.
  • Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.
  • Review scientific proposals and research papers.
  • Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
  • Calculate orbits and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies.
  • Serve on professional panels and committees.
  • Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation.
  • Conduct question-and-answer presentations on astronomy topics with public audiences.
  • Direct the operations of a planetarium.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 96% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 96% responded "Every day".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 82% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 73% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 73% responded "Extremely important".
  • Level of Competition — 62% responded "Extremely competitive".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 55% responded "Every day".
  • Read More
Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Read More
Detailed Work Activities
  • Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
  • Serve on institutional or departmental committees.
  • Support the professional development of others.
  • Advise students on academic or career matters.
  • Supervise student research or internship work.
  • Provide technical information or assistance to public.
  • Read More

Knowledge

Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Physics
  • Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Read More

Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Science
  • Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning
  • Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Read More

Abilities

Mathematical Reasoning
  • The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Inductive Reasoning
  • The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Deductive Reasoning
  • The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Read More

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
Read More

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office Hot Technology
Object or component oriented development software
  • R Hot Technology
  • Python Hot Technology
  • Oracle Java Hot Technology
  • C++ Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
  • IBM SPSS Statistics Hot Technology
  • SAS Hot Technology
  • The MathWorks MATLAB Hot Technology
  • Starcal
  • Multipurpose Interactive Image Processing System MIIPS
  • Visual Numerics PV-WAVE
  • Software Bisque CCDSoft
  • MSB Software Astroart
  • Adaptive optics AO simulation software
  • Analyz
  • Astronomical Image Processing for Windows AIP4WIN
  • Astronomical Image Processing System AIPS
  • Astronomical information processing system AIPS++
  • Data reduction software
  • Diffraction Limited MaxIm DL
  • European Southern Observatory Munich Image Data Analysis System ESO-MIDAS
Read More