Astronomers

Observe, research, and interpret celestial and astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge and apply such information to practical problems.

Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

1. Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.

2. Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.

3. Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.

4. Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.

5. Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.

6. Raise funds for scientific research.

7. Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.

8. Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.

9. Teach astronomy or astrophysics.

10. Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation.

11. Calculate orbits and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies.

Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.

Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Education: A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Astronomers. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Astronomers, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In US the average wage for this occupation was:

$31 for entry level workers, and $63 for experienced workers.

Physicists and astronomers - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Cool Cosmos: The Infrared Universe - Learn about Infrared Light and Multiwavelength Astronomy. Discover light outside the visible spectrum with many the classroom activities, experiments and lesson plans provided for you at Cool Cosmos!

American Astronomical Society (AAS) - The American Astronomical Society (AAS) is primarily a society of researchers in astronomy. Established in 1899, it is the major organization of professional astronomers in North America. The basic objective of the AAS is to promote the advancement of astronomy and closely related branches of science.

Windows to the Universe - Windows to the Universe is a user-friendly learning system covering the Earth and Space sciences. It includes a rich array of documents, including images, movies, animations, and data sets, that explore the Earth and Space sciences and the historical and cultural ties between science, exploration, and the human experience.

StarChild, A Learning Center for Young Astronomers - Easy to navigate astronomer specific information (Solar System, the Universe, Space Stuff, and a Glossary) site useful for teaching and learning.

St. Joseph's College High School Program - Experiences in Scientific Research - This four Saturday program features one Saturday of each of the following: new experiments in chemistry, polymer chemistry, physiology experiences, microbiology wonders, physics challenges, astronomy adventures and finally, forensic science, artistry in science with a detective guest speaker on this day during lunch time.

Rader's Cosmos4Kids - Cosmos4Kids.com is a website that teaches the basics of astronomy and space exploration to all ages. It has sections on the universe, galaxies, systems, the Solar System, space exploration and missions.

Pre-College Experience in Physics(PREP): To Encourage the Participation of Women in Science - PREP is a summer science program that students will learn about the "laws of physics" by seeing them in action,see how these skills and concepts relate to real life and meet real scientists as an exploration of scientific careers.

NASA: Kids Page - Reliable information on space-related topics that include art, stories, games and activities for kids.

Astronomy Education Review - A site that makes it easy to find, read about, and use new ideas and resources for teaching and outreach in astronomy and space sciences from fifth grade classrooms to research laboratories.

Cornell University Summer College Program: Focus on the Sciences - Focus on the Sciences is designed especially for students who are passionate about subjects from astronomy to biology and who just can't wait to get to college to undertake in-depth scientific exploration. You?ll earn an average of six to eight credits and get advanced lab work under your lab coat while maybe figuring out what you want to study in college.

Mars Millennium Project - The countdown to a new century provides a unique opportunity to engage America's youth in charting a course for the future. The Mars Millennium Project, an official White House Millennium Council Youth Initiative, challenges students across the nation to design a community yet to be imagined - for the planet Mars. This interdisciplinary learning project will engage kindergarten through high-school students in classrooms and youth groups throughout the United States.

New York State Science Olympiad - The Science Olympiad is an international nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers.The State competition in New York consists of B(grades 6 to 9) and C (grades 9 to 12) Divisions with all of the official Science Olympiad events plus two Trial/Pilot events during the Spring months.

Imagine the Universe - Imagine the Universe site is intended for students age 14 and up, and for anyone interested in learning about our universe. Teachers may choose from a number of lesson plans for grades 6-12 that use mathematics in the study of various science topics.

Summer Astronomy Institutes - These institutes give students the opportunity to learn more about astronomy.The Institutes will cover topics such as:Astronomical Basics,Variable Star Photometry ,Asteroid Astrometry and Photometry ,Astronomical Imaging of Nebulae,Lunar Geology ,Solar Flares and more.

Discovery Channel School's Lesson Plans Library - View the list of brand-new lesson plans for elementary, middle and high school students. Lesson plans include the sciences, mathematics and technology. Hundreds of original lesson plans, all written by teachers for teachers are easily accessible. Use the pull-down menus to browse by subject, grade, or both.

Cosmic Journey: A History of Scientific Cosmology - From the ancient Greeks to the Hubble Space Telescope - the story of the colorful individuals, startling ideas and ingenious tools that brought us knowledge of the vast and strange universe we inhabit. Written by leading historians of astronomy and richly illustrated.

SUNY New Paltz Summer Camp: Mad Science NASA - Mad Science has sparked imaginative learning with their unique brand of engaging and educational live programs and activities. NASA - Learn how different kinds of flying machines work as you explore the principles that we use to move ourselves through the air. Launch several kinds of rockets and use tools for celestial navigation to track their flight path.

Amazing Space - Amazing Space uses the Hubble Space Telescope's discoveries to inspire and educate about the wonders of our universe. Find all the classic Amazing Space activities. Get to know our vast universe by exploring its planets, galaxies, comets, black holes, and more. The online explorations, adventures and highlights of the month's stars are available with teacher tools.

Kopernik Talent Search (KTS) - The Kopernik Space Education Center offers a sequence of K12 programs for students highly interested in science and technology through the Kopernik Talent Search (KTS). KTS encourages young people to work and to think like scientists as they explore the world around them. Kopernik students discover the excitement of hands on learning at one of the best K12 science lab complexes available.

University of Rochester's Pre College Experience in Physics(PREP), To Encourage the Participation of Women in Science - PREP, a summer science program encourages young women's interest in the sciences. It provides an introduction to physics through a sequence of hands on, inquiry driven laboratory activities with experienced instructors.

Challenge Day Camp 2007 - Dedicated to enrichment opportunities, Challenge is known for its creative and innovative course offerings including Adventures in the Lab 1 and 2, Fantastic Flying Models, The Common Denominator, LegoMania, Science Art and more.

Alfred University: Summer Institute in Astronomy - This exciting residential program is designed for high school students who love astronomy and want to spend time learning more about this fascinating subject with other students who share their passion. The Astronomy Institute is conducted at the Stull Observatory on the Alfred University Campus. This facility has been judged to be one of the best teaching observatories in the country.

LiveScience - LiveScience is an original content site focusing on the innovative and intriguing in Science and Technology. The website covers news, views and scientific inquiry from an original, provocative point of view. With articles by respected science journalists and contributors, LiveScience looks at new discoveries, intellectual adventures and the idiosyncrasies of the world that surrounds us. The main topics include Animal Domain, Health SciTech, Forces of Nature, Environment, Technology and Science of Fiction.

HubbleSite The Space Telescope - HubbleSite furthers our knowledge of astronomy. Scan the heavens, see how Hubble's observations have expanded our understanding of the cosmos, and get the facts: answers to the basic questions about astronomy and Hubble, figures and charts, and dictionary definitions for astronomical terms.

Space Science Education Resource Directory - The Space Science Education Resource Directory is a convenient way to find NASA space science products for use in classrooms, science museums, planetariums, and other settings. There are several ways to search in the Resource Directory: "Grade/Subject," "Topic," or "Custom Search." The Solar System, Light and Color and Black Holes are some topics.

From Stargazers to Starships - From Stargazers to Starships is an introduction to the apparent motion of the Sun across the sky and the way it changes in summer and winter. The students will recognize the daily motion of the Sun across the sky, defining the main directions of east, west, south and north, the locations of sunrise and sunset (for viewers north of the equator) migrate southward in the winter and northward in the summer, changing the length of the day and causing summers to be warmer, winters colder and more.

Discovery School's Science Fair Central - So you're going to do a science fair project! Science Fair Central: Creative Investigations into the Real World contains helpful links including a comprehensive guide to creating your science fair project, Janice VanCleave's winning science fair project help guide with helpful resources and project ideas listing project topics to help you get started.

Challenge Day Camp: Westchester County, New York - Dedicated to enrichment opportunities, Challenge is known for its creative and innovative course offerings including: LegoMania, Mechanical Marvels, Awesome, Magical and Edible Experiments,Positively Puzzled,Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs and more.

StarChild: A Learning Center for Young Astronomers - Easy to navigate astronomer specific information (Solar System, the Universe, Space Stuff, and a Glossary) site useful for teaching and learning.

NASA Kids Page - Reliable information on space related topics that include art, stories, games and activities for kids.

Imagine the Universe - Imagine the Universe is intended for students age 14 and up, and for anyone interested in learning about our universe, teachers may choose from a number of lesson plans for grades 6 to12 that use mathematics in the study of various science topics.

Young Naturalist Awards: Essay Contest - This research based essay contest is for students in grades 7 to12. It promotes participation and communication in science. The theme remains the same, "Scientific Discovery Begins with Expeditions!" Students choose a topic in biology, earth science, or astronomy and take an expedition to an area where they can explore their topic.

Surveyors - Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.

Mechanical Engineers - Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of such equipment as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

Civil Drafters - Prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewerage control systems.

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians - Operate, install, calibrate, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

Electrical Engineering Technicians - Apply electrical theory and related knowledge to test and modify developmental or operational electrical machinery and electrical control equipment and circuitry in industrial or commercial plants and laboratories. Usually work under direction of engineering staff.

Physicists - Conduct research into the phases of physical phenomena, develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply laws and theories to industry and other fields.

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers - Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the earth's internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

Hydrologists - Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere.