SOC: 19-2011
Astronomers
Observe, research, and interpret celestial and astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge and apply such information to practical problems.
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Education:
Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
OJT:
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Tasks:
Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers. Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation. Direct the operations of a planetarium. Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers. Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects. Raise funds for scientific research. Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments. Teach astronomy or astrophysics. Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals. 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. Calculate orbits and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies.
License:
License not required.
Outlook:
No Change
Alabama Employment Outlook
Comprehensive wage data available:
Alabama Occupational Wage Survey
Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016
Projected Employment 2026
Annual Average Openings
Annual Growth Rate
N/A
N/A
5
Related Occupations:
Postsecondary Institutions With Programs:
Aerospace Engineers
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Economists
Geneticists
Geographers
Mathematicians
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Physicists
Political Scientists
Sociologists
No postsecondary schools reported programs.
Occupational Videos
19-2011.00
Astronomers