An astronomer studies celestial objects like planets, stars, and galaxies using physics, math, and instrumentation. They usually work in teams conducting research to better understand the universe. Astronomers focus on specific areas like planets, stars, galaxies, or the entire universe. A PhD is required to become an astronomer which involves undergraduate and graduate degrees in astronomy or physics. Employment of astronomers is projected to grow about 8% over the next decade with openings resulting from retirements. Starting salaries begin around Rs. 50,000 per month increasing up to Rs. 10 lakhs annually for experienced astronomers.

1. Career Path
3516 – SOWMEN PARUI
Astronomy

2. What is an Astronomer ?
 “Astronomy is the branch of physics that deals with the study of celestial
bodies like planets, stars, and galaxies. It refers to the study of objects outside
the earth’s atmosphere and their physical and chemical properties”.
 Astronomers use physics, math, and instrumentation to study the universe to
help humankind better understand everything from black holes to planetary
systems.
 Astronomers usually work in large teams of scientists, working either in an
office or in an observatory to gather, record, and publish their findings.

3. Branches in Astronomy ?
 Planetary astronomers focus on the life cycles of planets, and the
discovery of new planets near other stars.
 Stellar astronomers study the life cycles of stars, and stellar
phenomena such as black holes, nebulae (from which stars are born),
white dwarfs, supernovas, and pulsars.
 Solar astronomers study the sun's systems and characteristics, such
as its atmospheres, magnetic field, and storms. They may also
research new methods of studying the sun.
 Galactic astronomers study the Milky Way galaxy, the galaxy in which
we live.
 Cosmologists study the origin, history, and potential futures of the
entire universe. Cosmology is an active field of study with several
important theories under development, including string theory, dark
matter and energy, and multiverses.

4. Skills Required in an Astronomer?
 Critical Thinking
 Continues Learning
 Science
 Physics
 Complex Problem
Solving
 Mathematics
 Data Interpretation
 High research capacity
 Social Perceptiveness
 Ability to work with a
team

5. How to become an Astronomer ?
 To become an Astronomer, a Ph.D degree is compulsory.
 First, you have to complete your 10+2 examination under
the science stream, especially in Mathematics & Physics.
 After that, you can join an undergraduate course in
Astronomy. You can join for an honors/major in Physics with
Mathematics as a secondary subject.
 Thereafter, you can join postgraduate degree in Physics or
Astronomy.
 After competing master degree, you can do specialization in
astronomy leading to Ph. D

6. Courses & Duration
Bachelor’s Courses:
B.Sc in Astrophysics – 3 year full-time course
B.Sc in Astronomy – 3 year full-time course
B.Tech in relevant Engineering
Master’s Courses:
M.Sc Astronomy
M.Tech (Astronomy and Space Engineering)

7. Courses & Duration
Doctoral Courses:
PhD. in Astronomy
PhD. in Astronomy and Astrophysics
PhD. in Astrophysics
PhD. in Atmospheric Science and Astrophysics
Integrated Courses:
Integrated M.Sc – Ph.D Programme in Physics and
Astrophysics
Integrated M.Tech – Ph.D (Tech.) programme in
Astronomical Instrumentation

8. Career opportunities in Astronomy?
 Astronomy Professor
 Astrophysicist
 Research Consultant
 Research Physicist
 Research Scientist
 Scientist
 Astronomer
 Physicist

9. Astronomer Duties and Responsibilities
 Plan, design and conduct observational experiments, as well as analyze
telescope, radio and satellite data.
 Develop computer models to test and prove theories of spaces processes.
 Create and deploy software and instrumentation to observe and analyze space
bodies and processes.
 Collaborate with other Astronomers, Scientists, Technicians and Computer
Engineers to design, develop, implement and maintain hardware and software
products for astronomy.
 Develop, deploy and update operational standards and guidelines for lab
activities.
 Test new equipment and operational guidelines of data gathering systems.
 Supervise non-scientists with a detailed explanation of engineering and
astronomical requirements during project execution.
 Prepare reports on activities of teams, test performance and recommend
strategies to improve results.

10. JOB Outlook for an astronomer?
Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is
projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast
as the average for all occupations.
About 1,500 openings for physicists and astronomers are
projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of
those openings are expected to result from the need to
replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit
the labor force, such as to retire.

11. What is the salary for an astronomer?
 Demand is High for Astronomy.
 Salary in the field of astronomy depends upon the
profession you have chosen. If you choose your career in
teaching the salary may be different from the one who are
working as a researcher.
 The starting salary of an astronomer starts from Rs
50,000/- per month. Those who have earned experience
and are highly qualified will earn an annual salary of Rs. 8
lacs to Rs. 10 lacs.

12. JOB Outlook for an astronomer?
Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is
projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as
fast as the average for all occupations.
About 1,500 openings for physicists and astronomers are
projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many
of those openings are expected to result from the need to
replace workers who transfer to different occupations or
exit the labor force, such as to retire.