Astronomer

Also known as:

Astrophysicist

Introduction

Astronomers research stars, planets and the universe. They analyse and predict the future behaviour of galaxies, stars and planets, and they design equipment to collect data. There are very few vacancies for professional astronomers.

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Work Activities

Astronomers study the universe beyond Earth. Investigations into the origins of the universe and the search for life on other planets and solar systems inspire and fascinate astronomers.

Space also gives scientists the opportunity to study physical processes and phenomena in conditions that do not exist on Earth. For example, the universe contains high magnetic fields, black holes, young and dying stars, and extremes of heat and cold.

Astronomers use sophisticated equipment to collect, analyse and interpret data. As well as optical telescopes, they may use radio and infrared telescopes, spectroscopes or satellites. Infrared telescopes enable astronomers to look at the sun through the dust layer that surrounds it. Astronomers use radio telescopes, which can see far into space, to try to find out about the early stages of the universe.

Astronomers apply to use a telescope and if successful they get observing time. Alternatively, staff at the observatories may program the telescope and email results to the astronomer. Some astronomers develop new equipment for observations. Astronomy has close links with particle physics. Different types of particle make up matter; by speeding them up and making them collide with each other, astronomers try to reproduce the conditions of the early universe.

Astronomers usually work in teams, often including astronomers from different countries. Team members are often specialists, for example, in observational astronomy or data analysis and interpretation.

Many astronomers travel a lot to attend conferences and make observations abroad. The best telescope sites are in remote areas often high in the mountains. Other astronomers are laboratory or office based. Increasingly, astronomers study the skies using computers, without having to leave the office and travel to observatories.

Most astronomers work in universities as teaching staff or on research projects. Academic staff combine teaching and research, planning observations, writing lectures, analysing data and marking students' work.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

To become an astronomer, you will need an extensive knowledge of maths and physics. You will need good IT skills as much of the work is on computers.

Research work demands patience, problem solving skills, imagination and determination.

You need good communication skills to present your results clearly and write reports.

A background in electronics could lead to opportunities in designing and building equipment.

Foreign language skills are an advantage, because astronomers may work in international teams or travel to make telescope observations from other countries.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for astronomers vary with the project, employer and level of responsibility.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Astronomers earn in the range of £22,500 - £31,000 a year, rising to £36,500 - £39,000. Higher earners can make around £45,000 a year. Higher salaries are available depending on employer, role and responsibilities.

Astronomers typically work a basic 39-hour week. However, early starts, late finishes and weekend work may sometimes be required.

Most posts in Britain are in university research departments and government funded observatories. A specific problem or investigation may be the subject of applied research in universities. There are opportunities to work in other countries.

Competition for careers in professional astronomy is fierce, and many qualified astronomers find employment in other areas. These include:
• systems analysis in the financial sector
• industrial research into aerospace and satellite systems
• work in government departments such as the Ministry of Defence
• software development and teaching.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Science) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

You don't usually need any qualifications to enter an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider.

It is almost impossible to become an astronomer without a postgraduate qualification, normally a PhD.

Financial support for postgraduate study and research is available from the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC).

• 2% of people in occupations such as astronomer work part-time.
• 27% have flexible hours.

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