Astronomer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

1 min read

Quoted expert

Richard Anantua

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical astronomer skills. We ranked the top skills for astronomers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 35.0% of astronomer resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an astronomer needs to be successful in the workplace.

5 astronomer skills for your resume and career

1. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how astronomers use python:

Employed linear and non-linear models in Python, R and bash.
Maintain and develop reliable on-line and off-line monitoring software based on Python and C++ languages.

2. Telescopes

Here's how astronomers use telescopes:

Implemented remote observing systems to Lick Observatory's other major research telescopes and instruments (a $110m Astronomy facility).
Observed on major telescopes in the US and Chile.

3. NASA

Here's how astronomers use nasa:

Secured research grants from NASA.
Calculated electron flux to compare with NASA's standard AE/AP-8 models.

4. STARS

Here's how astronomers use stars:

Implemented the classification of stars by slit spectra.

5. Fortran

Fortran is a programming language used for numeric and scientific computing. The general-purpose language was originally developed by IBM for scientific and engineering applications.

Here's how astronomers use fortran:

Applied transmission line theory to develop a FORTRAN program to simulate radiation affects and predict missile trajectory anomalies.
Contributed to FORTRAN program modeling the space based observation of ICBM missile launches.

What skills help Astronomers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What astronomer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Richard Anantua

Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy at UTSA, The University of Texas at San Antonio

An Astrophysicist uses observational instruments or mathematical models to enhance our understanding of systems found (on various scales) throughout the Observable Universe. As a theoretical astrophysicist who studies black holes, I use the output of simulations on a daily basis to compare plasma physics models to the latest image observations around the supermassive black holes M87* and Sgr A*

Do you want to know more?

List of astronomer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for an astronomer resume and required skills for an astronomer to have include:

Python
Telescopes

NASA
STARS

Fortran

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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Updated January 8, 2025

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