Working on research is the main profession of an astronomer and this may usually
involve travelling; working long hours including day and night. The work of an
astronomer involves analysis and interpretation of enormous data gathered by
observatories and satellites and making scientific papers or report their
findings. They make observations with ground-based telescopes or any other
sources and apply their knowledge to solve problems in navigation, space flight,
and satellite communications.
A beginner in the field of astronomy may be inducted as a researcher into
an existing team which would be already working on a project. Ph.D. holders
begin their careers in a postdoctoral research position, in which they may
work with experienced physicists as they continue to learn about their specialty
and develop ideas and results to be used in later work. Initial work may be
under the close supervision of senior scientists. Depending on their
areas of specialization, astronomers are classified into various groups like
observational astronomers, stellar astronomers, solar astronomers etc.
Most jobs in the basic research and development usually require a doctoral
degree. The Ph.D. holders ultimately teach at the college or university level.
Master’s degree holders are qualified for many jobs in manufacturing and
applied research and development. Some master’s degree programs prepare
students for specific research skills that does not require a Ph.D. Bachelor
degree holder in this field are often qualified as technicians, research
assistants or other types of jobs.
An astronomer usually work for the government, defence and space research
organisations, electrical and electronic equipment manufacturers etc. They may
work for commercial/ non-commercial research, development and testing
laboratories, observatories, planetarium, science park etc. Degree/ Diploma/
Doctorate holder in these disciplines can find job opportunities in major
establishments like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Space Physics Laboratories, Space
Applications Centres, etc. One can also join non-profit organizations like the
Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers (ABAA) which is involved in
telescope making, organizing observation sessions for the public and
popularization of Astronomy.
The prospects of traveling to far distant lands are also open as
international seminars and conventions are held regularly in different countries.
