Question 1

What companies hire astronomers?

Accepted Answer

Companies that hire astronomers include research institutions, aerospace companies, observatories, and technology companies.

There are many different fields and industries for astronomers to go into. Many astronomers find employment in academic institutions like universities and colleges where they conduct research, teach courses, and contribute to the scientific community.

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of being an astronomer?

Accepted Answer

The pros and cons of being an astronomer are that it offers the potential for exciting discoveries and collaboration, but can also involve high competition, long hours, expensive education, limited job mobility, and uncertain funding. Astronomers have the amazing opportunity to contribute to our understanding of the cosmos by discovering new planets and stars and studying the origins of the universe, but it's also a field that requires a lot of hard work that can often be tedious and repetitive.

Question 3

What degree do you need to be an astronomer?

Accepted Answer

You need a doctorate degree in physics or astronomy to become an astronomer. In some cases, a bachelor's or master's degree in physical science may be accepted.

Generally speaking, it takes about ten years of education beyond the normal high school education to become a research astronomer. Astronomers need to be comfortable with computers, both usage, and programming, in addition to being knowledgeable about basic science and physics. Extensive math knowledge is also essential.

Question 4

What does a typical day look like for an astronomer?

Accepted Answer

A typical day for an astronomer involves performing tests, collecting and analyzing data, and using existing principles to learn more about space, planets, and moons. Astronomers are scientists who study the origin of the universe and its objects and how it all works.

Question 5

Where do astronomers work?

Accepted Answer

Astronomers work in national observatories, large astronomy departments at universities, and federal agencies. Some may also work in national laboratories.

Recent graduates of astronomy who begin working as astronomers in observatories often spend anywhere between three to six nights per week mapping the night sky. They are also on-call if an unusual event occurs in the sky.

Skills	Percentages
Python	35.01%
Telescopes	34.49%
NASA	20.01%
STARS	5.94%
Fortran	4.56%

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