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Written for the American Association of Astronomers at www.corvus.com/aa01faq6.htm Career Profile: Astronomer
By Robert Anthony Robinson
Research by Katie Rhoads
Special Interest:
[Career Profile] [Employment Outlook] [Necessary Skills]
[Salary Expectations] [Training and Education]
Additional Information:
[Books] [On the World Wide Web]
When you dream about becoming an astronomer, do you envision gazing at stars and discovering new civilizations or cosmic entities? While astronomers do these things, they also have many earth-bound responsibilities that are just as important.
"People coming in to the profession sometimes think that it’s all stargazing. There’s actually a lot of time at your desk, or at teaching or analyzing data," says Horace Smith, a professor with Michigan State University’s department of physics and astronomy. Although stargazing does have its place in an astronomer’s world: "There’s so much that’s changing, and so much still unknown about what’s up in the sky," he admits: "There’s a lot more administration and busy work than there is looking at stars."
Astronomers collect and study data by tracking, for example, the energy given off by faint and distant stars or the cosmic movement of exotic planetary bodies like pulsars, quasars and nebulas, and try to predict how these phenomena interact. They use high-powered telescopes, instruments and computers to collect this data, and work with mathematicians and astrophysicists to analyze it for making conclusions. Astronomers are often employed by colleges and universities as professors or in college-related observatories. "There are different career paths in teaching and research," says Smith. [There’s] people whom work for the government or in private labs doing research and development projects. Many work at planetariums. It can vary quite widely," he says. A number of astronomers earn their income from a combination of these employment options.
Employment Outlook: Next 10 Years
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will only be a 2 percent increase in the need for astronomers in the next 10 years. Unemployment statistics for this career category, however, are nearly non-existent and annual earnings ratios are very high.
Total Physicists and Astronomers as of 1999 18,000
Total Needed by 2010 18,000
Number of Astronomer Positions Each Year 1,000*
*Due to growth and total replacement needs.
Necessary Skills
One seeking an astronomy career should, at the most basic level, enjoy scientific activities that require the collection and communication of data. "In many areas you will have more contact with the public than a research physicist might, because you can look up in the sky, find something, and then talk to people about it," says Smith. The degree of people-skills necessary for an astronomer depends upon the area of astronomy he or she goes into.
Mathematics is used extensive throughout the astronomical field so math skills are essential. The ability to work within precise standards of measurement and make conclusions on verifiable data is a valuable skill for an astronomer. Since astronomy requires the use of highly advanced technology and equipment, the ability to use computers and complicated electronic equipment is very beneficial.
Internship, job shadowing, mentorship or volunteer work at the astronomy department of a local university may be an excellent way to learn more about this career choice.
Salary Expectations
Length of Time Yearly Earnings
Starting $30,000
After 5 Years $45,000
After 10 –15 $65,000
Astronomers employed full time generally receive a full range of employee benefits including paid vacations, sick leave and holidays, in addition to life, accident, disability and health insurance. Most receive an employer-paid pension plan upon completion of length of service requirements.
Training and Education
Astronomers must earn a bachelor’s degree in astronomy or physics at a minimum. Most astronomers, however, increase their opportunities and pay level by continuing their education, usually until they have completed a Ph.D. A Ph.D. is generally required to qualify for fieldwork or to become a professor at a university. Currently, about 70 universities throughout the United States grant degrees in astronomy. Applicants to astronomy programs face fierce competition for available positions. Many vocational educational programs offer excellent curriculums to help students toward a higher education in astronomy. "I would advise them (students) to keep a broad base, and not to try to narrow their (educational) focus too soon," says Smith. "In high school, take physics and chemistry and other science classes, but also take English, history and other foreign languages. There is enough time for students to change their mind between high school and the time they must select a college major."
For More Information Books
The New Astronomer
By Carole Stott and Amie Gallagher
ISBN#: 0-789441-75-6
American Astronomy: Community, Careers, and Power
By John Lankford
ISBN#: 0-226468-86-0 Through the Telescope: A Guide for the Amateur Astronomer
By Patricia L. Barnes-Svarney and Michael R. Porcellino
ISBN#: 0-071348-04-2
On the World Wide Web
www.corvus.com
The Web site for the American Association of Amateur Astronomers, with links and information for professional and amateur astronomers.
www.aspsky.org
The Web site for The Astronomical Society of the Pacific.
www.aas.org
The Web site for The American Astronomical Society.
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Robert Anthony Robinson
2843 East Grand River Avenue, #133
East Lansing, MI 48823
Tel: (517) 487-3691
Fax: (517) 487-3691
Email: editor@profilesonline.com |
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