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Astronomers are concerned with the origin, evolution, composition, motion, relative position, and size of heavenly bodies such as the sun, moon, planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies. They relate research to basic scientific knowledge and to practical problems.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

An Astronomer may:

Observe and study celestial phenomena

Interpret information obtained in terms of basic physical laws

Determine sizes, shapes, brightness, spectra and motions of heavenly bodies and compute their positions

Determine exact time by celestial observations

Research relationships between time and space

Develop mathematical tables and charts giving positions of heavenly bodies at given times for air and sea navigators to use

Conduct research on statistical theory of the motions of celestial bodies

Analyze wave lengths of radiation from celestial bodies

Study the history, structure, extent, and evolution of stars, stellar systems, and the universe

Design a variety of instruments for astronomical research

Communicate with other scientists to keep up with new research

Train technicians to assist with research

Teach and supervise students and faculty

Act as consultants and write for journals or other media

Supervise research projects

The equipment and tools used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

021.067-010 ASTRONOMERS are concerned with the origin, evolution, composition, motion, relative position, and size of heavenly bodies such as the sun, moon, planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies. They relate research to basic scientific knowledge and to practical problems.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Astronomers usually work alone on their research projects. Some might supervise and be assisted by students, by other faculty members, and research assistants.

Most work in offices or classrooms. Astronomers making observations spend some time in open-air observatories. They might wear electrically heated suits during cold weather, while observing.

Their hours vary with their teaching load, research projects, consulting commitments and other work. They may need to travel or work at night frequently.

Astronomers may belong to a professional association such as the American Astronomical Society. Association members are required to pay periodic membership fees.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities involving the communication of data

You Should Be Able To:

• Use reason and logic and follow step-by-step procedures in work

• Understand the meanings and relationship of words

• Communicate well, both orally and in writing

• Understand methods of scientific investigation

• Perform mathematical operations quickly and accurately

• Visualize drawings and diagrams as solid objects

• See details/differences in the size/shape/shadings of objects

• Make decisions based on measurable data and judgment

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

In measuring declination, each degree is divided into 60 minutes represented by the symbol '. The declination of the star Sirius is 16 degrees, 40' South. How many degrees and how many minutes south is Sirius?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The quantity of matter in a star is called the star's mass. Astronomers measure the mass of stars by studying binary stars. The motion of such stars depends on their mass.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Write an article about the use of space probes for exploration for a professional journal.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You need to be able to engage in abstract thinking, as many things about astronomy are new beliefs or have yet to be discovered.

Astronomers who work for the federal government may have to pass a civil service examination and receive security clearance. Advanced degrees are usually required for employment.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond high school) or a Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

015 ASTRONOMY

Programs in Astronomy provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed to understand the phenomena of the universe and its celestial bodies. Astronomers usually specialize in a branch of astronomy such as astrophysics, celestial mechanics, or radio astronomy. The Astronomer may find employment with colleges and universities, the federal government, museums, and planetariums. Individuals who teach astronomy at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

History of Astronomy

Physics & Astrophysics

Astronomy: The Solar System

Solar-Terrestrial Relations

Stars, Galaxies, & the Universe

Astronomical and Observational Techniques

Navigation

Individual Studies & Research

Cosmology

Astrophysics & the Universe

            Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Opportunities for experience are limited for those without the required education and training. Students may obtain a better idea of the field by joining a high school science club. Postsecondary programs in astronomy may offer co-op or internship opportunities. Summer or part-time jobs might be available in observatories.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing

touring a local Astronomer's facility

internships

volunteer work with an Astrologer

community service work with an agency

Individuals seeking employment as Astronomers should apply directly to employers. Assistance may be obtained from college placement offices, astronomy departments and faculty members, or federal civil service offices. Placement personnel at conventions of the major national associations and ads in professional journals are also sources of possible employers. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

American Astronomical Society Job Register ( http://www.aas.org )

America's Job Bank

Michigan Talent Bank

                You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings depend on work location, educational level, and experience. Salaries for Astronomers employed by colleges and universities (which employ the majority of Astronomers) are about the same as those in other academic fields. Nationally, average annual salaries for college faculty members during the 1997-98 school year were:

Depending on their college records, beginning Astronomers in the federal government earned (1999):

The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

Most Astronomers enter federal service at the doctoral level.

College and university teachers, in Michigan , including Astronomy teachers in the larger colleges and universities, had average annual salaries (1997-98 school year) of:

Astronomers may supplement their salaries with income from teaching, writing, special research projects, and consulting.

Astronomers employed by colleges, universities, and government agencies usually receive life and health insurance, paid holidays and vacations, and a pension plan. Faculty members generally receive a paid sabbatical after 6 or 7 years of service.

Advancement generally depends on experience, education, and the demonstration of competence in research. Advancement for Astronomers may take the form of promotions or salary increases. A doctorate is almost essential for advancement to higher positions in colleges or universities.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, approximately 3,100 Astronomers were employed in 1996. Their employment is expected to decline through the year 2006, due to further reductions in defense-related research and a continued slowdown in the growth of civilian physics-related research. Those who want to become Astronomers will face sharp competition because the limited number of jobs in industry will depend on future government funding. The government does not offer much promise of employment for these professionals.

There are about 150 Astronomers employed in Michigan . Most work in colleges or universities. Some work in observatories operated by universities, while others work for nonprofit organizations and the federal government. A few work for museums, planetariums, or industrial laboratories.

Employment of Astronomers in Michigan is expected to decline through the year 2005. Most openings will be due to replacement of those who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons. Competition for the few openings will be keen because the number of degrees granted in astronomy will probably exceed the demand. Funds for basic research in astronomy, which come mainly from the federal government, are not expected to increase enough to create many new positions. Also, employment of Astronomers as college and university instructors is expected to decrease moderately because of declining student enrollment.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.

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MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development