Career in Astronomy

If one is amazed at the mysteries of the universe and nurtures a desire to unravel them, one should choose the career of Astronomy. It will test one's scientific temperament and also satisfy one's curiosity. One will get the opportunity to work with the best brains in the country and will become a part of the intellectual treasure of the world.

Astronomy is the study of the entire universe beyond the earth. It is the science that includes the study of motion, nature, law, constitution, history and possible future developments of heavenly bodies ranging from the Sun and its family of planets, satellites, asteroids, and comets, to the hundreds of billions of other stars that make up our galaxy, to the hundreds of billions of other galaxies in the universe.

At the professional level, astronomy is divided into observational astronomy and theoretical astrophysics. While the former deal with observation of celestial bodies and collection of data for building and maintaining instruments; the latter is concerned with data analysis - finding out the conclusions of observations of computers and explaining the observational results.

A career in Astronomy has many benefits that go far beyond mere job description. Astronomers get a satisfaction in knowing that they are advancing humankind's understanding of the universe.

Qualifications

For pursuing a career in theoretical or observational astronomy one may go through the science stream after plus two. Since universities offering undergraduate programme in Astronomy are rarely found, one can join for an honours in Physics with Mathematics. In these courses, students develop fundamental science and math skills, such as analysis and problem solving.

Thereafter, one can take a master's degree in Physics or Astronomy. After the successful completion of MSc, one can do specialization in astronomy leading to Ph. D. that enables one to become an astronomer/ astronaut/ astrophysicist or a scientist/ research officer etc. in the field of space research. 

For pursuing a career in Instrumentation/ Experimental Astronomy, one can go for Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Electrical / Electronics/ Electrical Communications. An engineer with a B. Tech or BE degree could also enter the field as a research scholar.

Personal Traits

The essential quality to become an astronomer is curiosity, enthusiasm and greater concentration. They should have above average intelligence, high imagination, persistence, problem-solving and analytical skills and must possess both mathematical and computer skills. Loads of patience is required in this field, as the astronomers have to work long and irregular hours. They must be capable of explaining scientific phenomena and conveying the information in an easily absorbed format and language .  

Career Options

A beginner in the field of astronomy may be inducted as a researcher into an existing team, which would be already working on a project. Ph.D. holders begin their careers in a postdoctoral research position, in which they may work with experienced physicists as they continue to learn about their specialty and develop ideas and results to be used in later work. Initial work may be under the close supervision of senior scientists. 

The Ph.D. holders may also teach at the college or university level. Master's degree holders are qualified for many jobs in manufacturing and applied research and development. Some master's degree programs prepare students for specific research skills that does not require a Ph.D. Bachelor degree holder in this field are often qualified as technicians, research assistants or other types of jobs. 

An astronomer usually works for the government, defense and space research organizations, electrical and electronic equipment manufacturers etc. They may work for commercial/ non-commercial research, development and testing laboratories, observatories, planetarium, Science Park etc. One can also join non-profit organizations like the Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers (ABAA) which is involved in telescope making, organizing observation sessions for the public and popularization of Astronomy.