Astronomer Description
Astronomers spend a lot of time at observatories peering through optical, radio and digital telescopes. They also spend time analyzing and writing.
They also work with spacecraft and satellite manufacturers. They assist with planning space missions for organizations like NASA and help build better telescopes and other observational instruments.
Astronomy
Astronomy is the scientific study of objects in space, including planets, stars, galaxies and black holes. Astronomers use telescopes and other instruments to collect data and analyze information about these celestial objects. They also develop theories and models of these systems to explain their characteristics and processes.
Most astronomers specialize in one of two broad areas: observational or theoretical. Observational astronomers make direct observations of celestial bodies and use this information to build theories. Theoretical astronomers develop models or computer simulations of cosmic phenomena that cannot be observed directly.
For example, a radio astronomer studies cosmic microwave background radiation and the structure of galaxies using radio waves rather than visible light. This work helps scientists understand the conditions of the universe in the earliest stages of expansion.
Other important skills for astronomers include math, statistics and computer programming. They often collaborate with other researchers and engineers. They may also need to write proposals for observing time with telescopes or funding for research projects. The ability to communicate scientific concepts and data in a clear, concise manner is critical. A knowledge of the history of astronomy is helpful for understanding the evolution of the field. A special interest in a particular region of the galaxy or solar system is sometimes helpful as well.
Astrophysics
Astrophysics is the branch of astronomy that focuses on the physical aspects of celestial bodies. It examines the origin, and the chemical and physical nature of heavenly bodies, as well as their interactions with each other and with interstellar space. The Sun, other stars, galaxies, nebulae, extrasolar planets and the cosmic microwave background are some of the subjects that are studied by astrophysicists. The properties of these objects are examined across the electromagnetic spectrum, including luminosity, density and temperature.
Astronomers study these objects using a wide variety of instruments and techniques. One of the most important instruments is a telescope, which allows scientists to gather data about a range of topics. Astronomers who focus on gathering this type of data are referred to as observational astronomers.
Other astronomers use computer models and mathematical equations to help predict the behavior of celestial bodies. They also look at how stars and other objects are born, grow and die. This helps astronomers to form a better understanding of the universe and our place within it. They also monitor space for any objects that might impact earth or deployed satellites, and they work with engineers to develop more powerful telescopes and observational instruments. The astronomers’ discoveries help to answer questions about our universe, such as how did it begin and what is its destiny?
Planetary science
The field of planetary science is a sub-discipline of astronomy and studies celestial bodies (including planets, their moons, rings, asteroids and comets) in the Solar System and beyond. It is a strongly interdisciplinary field that encompasses a range of other sciences including geology, chemistry and physics.
Planetary scientists are interested in the formation and evolution of planets, their moons and rings and other smaller bodies such as asteroids and comets. It also includes examining the origin and nature of extrasolar planet systems, or exoplanets, which are worlds that orbit stars other than our Sun.
Planetary scientists may study Earth analogues for the Solar System, including the effects of space weathering on lunar regolith. This is a process that erodes surface material as it is exposed to constant micrometeorite bombardment, high-energy particles and impacts. The discipline also focuses on planetary geodesy, which is the measurement and representation of the motions of a body in three-dimensional time-varying space. Planetary science is a rapidly growing area of research, with increased interest in planetary exploration and the discovery of exoplanets. Most planetary scientists are located in the astronomy, astrophysics or Earth sciences departments of universities or research centres. Alternatively, students can major in Earth science and then choose to focus on a specific sub-field of planetary science at the graduate level.