The astronomer is the professional who studies and tries to reveal the truths of the universe that involves the study of motion, nature, law, constitution, and possible future developments of heavenly bodies like the Sun, Planets, Stars, Comets, Meteors, Galaxies, Satellites etc.
If you are fascinated with the Stars, Constellations, Moons and other celestial bodies in the sky and want to peep out of the earth to know more about these mysterious bodies from closer quarter then this is the career for you.
This profession is basically divided into two parts one deals with the theoretical aspects (observational astronomy) and the other with practical aspects (theoretical astrophysics) of the field of study. This vast field of study itself is considered as a part of general physics. Thus, the aspirants who want to make Astronomy as their career must have a very good aptitude for general physics.
Apart from the stronghold on the Physics, the aspirant should have good programming skills, curiosity along with essential ability to search out answers. Those who are interested in doing Instrumentation or Experimental astronomy can opt for the Engineering Stream. These professionals are responsible to take the work of designing and construction of astronomical instrumentation at different wavelengths, for ground and space-based observatories. On the other hand, Experimental Astronomers acts as a medium for the publication of papers on the instrumentation and data handling necessary for the conduct of astronomy at all wavelength fields. Those who have chosen Science Stream can do Theoretical Astronomy or Observation.
Astronomer Eligibility
Educational Qualification
Basic qualification to get admission in courses that leads a person to the doors of becoming an Astronomer is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Maths as the main subject.
Age Limits
Aspiring candidates should be of 17 yrs of age.
Astronomer Required Skills
- Astronomers should be good at Physics and Maths; good teaching skills and good communications skills.
- They should have critical thinking using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- They should possess judgment and decision-making skills like considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
How to become an Astronomer?
To be an Astronomer one has to follow the given steps:
Step 1
Depending upon one’s choice of field in the astrology there are two ways that lead towards the goal of becoming an astronomer:
- Choice 1 - If interested in doing Instrumentation or Experimental Astronomy, one can opt for the Engineering Stream.
- Choice 2 - If interested in Theoretical Astronomy or Observations, one can opt for the Science Stream.
Step 2
- For Choice 1: For pursuing a career in Instrumentation / Experimental Astronomy, with requisite qualification, one can go for B.E. / B.Tech. in Electrical / Electronics / Electrical Communications or any other related branch before doing PhD in the relevant field which is the basic requirement for doing the research work. For this, one has to undertake common entrance tests at both the graduate and PhD level to take admission in these courses.
- For Choice 2: For pursuing Astronomer Career in Theoretical Astronomy, one has to pursue a career in the Science Stream after plus two. Since universities offering the undergraduate programme in Astronomy are few, one can join for honours in Physics with Mathematics as a subsidiary subject. Thereafter, take a PG degree in Physics or Astronomy.
After the successful completion of M.Sc., one can do specialization in astronomy leading to PhD which enables one to become an astronomer/ astronaut/ astrophysicist or a scientist/ research officer etc. in the field of space research.
For doing PhD one should appear for the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) examination.
Institutes offering Courses for Astronomer
- Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore
- Indian Space Research Organisation, Bangalore
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai
- Raman Research Institute, Bangalore
Step 3
After undergoing any one or more of the above-mentioned course one can join private or public sector space organization under some senior scientists to have the first-hand experience.
Astronomer Job Description
As the work of astronomers involves those phenomena which are out of reach from mankind thus there is no time bound working hours for these professionals, they have to work for the long stretch of time that too without break. Thus to perform his duties with perfection one should be hardworking and dedicated. To do his work most effectively he requires special knowledge and training which can be acquired by going through the prescribed studies and required training.
Astronomer Career Prospects
There is a great scope for the qualified astronomers in various public and private organizations like 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) etc. 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. There they can sharpen their skills under the close supervision of senior scientists. The PhD holders may teach at the college or university level.
Whereas Master’s degree holders are qualified for many jobs in manufacturing and applied research and development and those who are having Bachelor degree can work as technicians, research assistants or other types of jobs.
Professionals in this field may work for commercial/ non-commercial research, development and testing laboratories, observatories, planetarium, Science Park etc. Degree/ Diploma/ Doctorate holder in these disciplines 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) which is involved in telescope making, organizing observation sessions for the public and popularization of Astronomy.
Astronomer Salary
An average, Astronomer Salary can start from Rs.50,000 per month. Whereas experienced and qualified professionals can demand salary packets ranging from Rs.8 lacs per annum to around Rs.10 lacs per annum for those in senior positions.
