Astronomer

Astronomer

Summary Description: An astronomer is a scientist who observes and records many types of celestial data by using high tech equipment such as advanced cameras, telescopes, spectrographs, and satellites. Astronomers record and interpret these peices of information collected; and write down there findings to hopefully provide a better understanding of our existence in the universe. Astronomers may also teach at colleges.

Skills Needed: The various skills needed to be a good astronomer include an intrest in the subject of astronomy, self-motivation, initiative, patients, but the most important would be good analytical skills, and a good understanding of mathematics and physics.

Education/Certification/Requirements: In most cases of employment, a doctoral degree in astronomy is necessary.

Salary Information: According to Vocbiosonline.com; the median wage for an astronomer is $41.95 per hour, about $87,260 per year. But of course salary depends on education, employment, and experience.

Job Outlook: Simple enough, you need a passion for astronomy in order to teach and study all the data. However, astronomers do work long hours; are active at day as they are at night. Astonomers do travel alot to visit different observatories. But this and nighttime research may be a burden on family and social life. Most employers of astronomers offer a retirements plan and benefits.

Related Careers: Some careers that relate to astronomers are a meteorologist, an astronaut, and a physics teacher.