Astronomy Courses in India

Astronomy Courses in India have somewhat a lukewarm response keeping in mind that there are very few who prefer to pursue a career in astronomy in India. None the less, passionate students prefer to study for programs provided by various astronomy colleges in India. Astronomy is the scientific study of celestial objects (such as stars, planets, comets, nebulae, star clusters and galaxies) and phenomena  that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere (such as the cosmic background radiation). It is also a branch of physics that studies the universe as a whole. It is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects, as well as the formation and development of the universe. Astronomers use ground-based telescopes, equipped with the latest electronic light-gathering instruments, to measure the chemical composition of stars, the mass of galaxy clusters and looking for planets around other stars. Powerful supercomputers are also used to, among other things, model cosmic jets and the environment around pulsars and black holes, simulate galaxy collisions, and devise better theories on how galaxies clustered into large-scale structures in the early universe. Astronomers also study data gathered by physicists using particle accelerators.

Some of its specialized fields are -

• Astrochemistry - It deals with the chemical composition and evolution of the universe and its parts.
• Astrometeorology - It studies the theoretical effects of astronomical bodies and forces on the earth's atmosphere.
• Astrophysics - It studies the physical properties of celestial bodies and the interaction between matter and radiation in the interior of celestial bodies and in interstellar space.
• Astrobiology - It is the study of life beyond the earth's atmosphere as on the planets.
• Astrogeology - It is the science dealing with the structure and composition of planets and other bodies in the solar system.
• Astrometry - It studies the measurement of the positions and motions of the celestial bodies.

Astronomy Courses in India - Content

The study of this field includes all or few of these –

1. Solar System.
2. Computer Applications.
3. Stellar Spectroscopy.
4. Celestial Mechanics.

Objectives

• To find out about the universe as much as possible.
• To reveal the truths and dispel myths related to the universe.
• To develop new techniques and observing methods for easy and better understanding of Solar System.

Basic Requirements for Astronomy Courses in India

Academic Requirements - For pursuing a career in Astronomy in India, one can do B.Sc. in Physics and / or Mathematics after 10 + 2. There is speculation regarding astronomy courses at under graduate level.

Master's level course in Astronomy are offered by various Astronomy Institutes and Universities in India.

In order to pursue a career in Instrumentation / Experimental Astronomy, one can do one's Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Electrical / Electronics / Electrical Communications, after 10 + 2. Then one can appear for the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) examination, which makes one eligible to do specialization in astronomy leading to Ph. D. 

Astronomy Colleges in India

1. Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore.
2. S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata.
3. Tata institute of Fundamental research, Mumbai, Maharastra.
4. Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

Personal Attributes - Astronomy is a challenging science and astronomers must apply equal measures of analytic thinking and imagination, logic and intuition, to answer the most fundamental questions about the cosmos. Curiosity is the first and foremost personality trait required to be an Astronomer. One should have the undying zeal to solve mysteries and to find out answers. Patience is the second most and foremost quality required to be an Astronomer. Working for long hours including day and night are also required. The aspirant should also have good programming skills too and above all, a scientific bent of mind.

Career in Astronomy in India

With the increase in interplanetary spacecraft missions for the mapping of celestial bodies like surfaces of the Moon, Mars, and Venus which return with first close-up images, there is an increase in the employment opportunities in this field. 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 post-doctoral research position, in which they may work with experienced physicists. Orbiting observatories scrutinize star clusters, nebulae, the violent cores of galaxies and distant quasars. This work requires astronomers. Though a small and emerging as a popular field, only those with a quality education, ability, and passion for the subject are likely to find a permanent position. About a third of the professional astronomers are directly employed by the federal government or by federally supported national observatories and laboratories. About ten percent of all astronomers work in business or private industry. A few industries, such as the aerospace field, hire astronomers to do research. A number of consulting firms supply astronomy talent to the government for specific tasks.

Degree/ Diploma/ Doctorate holders can find job opportunities in major establishments like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Space Physics Laboratories, Space Applications Centres, etc. One can also join non-profit organizations like the Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers (ABAA). One can also join non - profit organizations like the Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers (ABAA) which involves itself in telescope making, organizing observation sessions for the public and popularization of Astronomy. Various government bodies and Astronomy Institutes in India also employ astronomers in different grades of scientists. As scientists they are given high salaries with other perks and allowances. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), the US. Naval Observatory, Niels Bohr Institute, Space Telescope Science Institute, Nicolaus Copernicusetc. are major International Employers.

Remuneration - During the research work, one will receive a monthly stipend of Rs.8,000 as Junior Researcher while Rs.9,000 is what one is expected to get as a Senior Researcher. In addition, one will be entitled to an annual book grant. 

Some Job Types

• Researcher.
• Observational Astronomers.
• Theoretical Astrophysicists.
• Stellar Astronomers.
• Solar Astronomers.
• Technicians.
• Research Assistants.

Some Employment Areas

• Planetarium.
• Universities.
• Observatories.
• Laboratories.
• Defence and Space Research Organisations.
• Electrical Component Manufacturers.
• Electronic Equipment Manufacturers.