Career in Astronomy

Becoming an Astronomer

Astronomy is the science which deals with the study of heavenly bodies. It considers

• their motions, both real and apparent, and the laws which govern those motions;
• their forms, dimensions, masses, and surface features;
• their nature, constitution, and physical condition;
• the effects which they produce upon one another by their attractions and radiations;
• their probable past history and future development.

Astronomy is necessarily an observational science rather than an experimental one. The discussions and interpretation of observations employs the use of mathematical analysis, often of the most advanced type. Celestial bodies and celestial environment provide natural laboratories for studying physical phenomena in extreme conditions which are seldom realised in our terrestrial environment.Physical and mathematical theories are thus stretched to the limit to provide explanations for the celestial phenomena that we observe.

Modern astronomy requires the use of most modern and advanced technologies, e.g. in fabrication of modern telescopes, in building imaging and spectroscopic equipment to observe and analyse radiation received from the celestial objects. It needs fast computers, state-of-the-art software to handle data and process images, it needs stable space platforms to observe radiation otherwise blocked by the Earth's atmosphere.

Job Opportunities and Career Prospects

An acute need for young scientists in the field of Astronomy is present. The following possibilities are open for a career for a physics / mathematics / engineering graduate with a specialization or a Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics

• Research Scientist
  Several research institutes and government organizations employ research scientists in various academic grades for research oriented programmes.
  
• University Faculty
  There will be more openings in the universities, especially in physics departments, for specialists in Astronomy & Astrophysics.
  
• Industry
  Experience with sophisticated astronomical instrumentation and the expertise gained in computer programming and handling data can serve as valubale assets for jobs in industry.

Requirements for a career in Astronomy

Astronomy & Astrophysics may be taught as a special course in the M.Sc. programmes of the physics departments in the universities or colleges. It is desirable for a student to acquire proficiency in physics and mathematics at the graduate level and then to Astronomy & Astrophysics specialization. An engineer with a B.Tech or B.E. degree, with an aptitude for Astronomy and Astrophysics, can also enter the field as a research scholar.

Though it is not necessary to undergo any formal training in Astronomy and Astrophysics at the undergraduate level, it helps the student to develop a general interest in the field, from reading good popular books or as an amateur astronomer. Research Scholars are expected to undergo one year course work in various subjects including Foundations of Classical & Quantum Physics, Mathematical Techniques, Numerical Analysis & Computing, besides introductory courses in Astronomy & Astrophysics. A good Ph.D. programme takes about four years to complete.

External Links

• How to become an Astronomer? by Prof. T. Padmanabhan, IUCAA
• Become an Astronomer - A guide to students of all ages, Astronomical Society of Australia