Astronomers

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Life, Physical & Social Science
• O*NET-SOC code: 19-2011
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
• Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
• Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
• Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
• Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
• Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena.
• 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.
• Raise funds for scientific research.

Tools and technology

Apache Hadoop, C, C++, Fortran, IBM SPSS Statistics, Linux, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Oracle Java, Python

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Physicists
• Mathematicians
• Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
• Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
• Biochemists and Biophysicists
• Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
• Atmospheric and Space Scientists
• Data Scientists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Astronomers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.