MarylandMentor
* Create An Account   * Log On   Search this site Go  
What Is MarylandMentor? Plan for College Select a School Financial Aid Online Applications Career Center Ask an Expert MyMentor
 
  Career Keyword Search     Career Info     Self-Assessment     Career Matching Assistant     List of Careers     Links     MyMentor Careers
 
List of Careers

Astronomers

Description
Observe, research, and interpret celestial and astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge and apply such information to practical problems.
If the video below does not display, you may need Windows Media Player or Flip4Mac.



Experience
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

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.

Tasks
  • Studies celestial phenomena from ground or above atmosphere, using various optical devices, such as telescopes situated on ground or attached to satellites.
  • Studies history, structure, extent, and evolution of stars, stellar systems, and universe.
  • Calculates orbits and determines sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies.
  • Develops mathematical tables giving positions of sun, moon, planets, and stars at given times for use by air and sea navigators.
  • Designs optical, mechanical, and electronic instruments for astronomical research.
  • Analyzes wave lengths of radiation from celestial bodies, as observed in all ranges of spectrum.
  • Determines exact time by celestial observations and conducts research into relationships between time and space.
  • Computes positions of sun, moon, planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies.
National Average Salary
$76,390.00/year

Average Salary in Maryland
$91,580.00/year

Important Abilities
   1. Mathematical Reasoning
   2. Written Comprehension
   3. Inductive Reasoning
   4. Deductive Reasoning
   5. Number Facility

General Work Activities
   1. Analyzing Data or Information
   2. Processing Information
   3. Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
   4. Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
   5. Monitor Processes, Material, Surroundings

Important Skills
   1. Mathematics
   2. Science
   3. Information Gathering
   4. Critical Thinking
   5. Active Learning

Frequent Work Context
   1. Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
   2. Importance of Being Aware of New Events
   3. Consequence of Error
   4. Sitting
   5. Indoors

Related Careers
Related Majors













MarylandMentor Institutions Offering Related Majors



The majors and institutions listed here are based on the current information in our database. Please be aware this information may be subject to change. We strongly encourage you to consult with your career counselor.




back
 
What is MarylandMentor? | Plan for College | Select a School | Financial Aid | Online Applications
Career Center | Ask an Expert | MyMentor | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

Powered by Xap Copyright © 2002-2010 XAP Corporation. All rights reserved. XAP and Mentor are registered trademarks of XAP Corporation. Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of the XAP Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.