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Who is a Astronomer?
Man must rise above the Earth—to the top of the atmosphere and beyond—for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives - Socrates, Philosopher
Astronomers are scientists who study space, including stars, planets, galaxies, and celestial bodies. Using both space-based tools like the Hubble Space Telescope and ground-based technologies like optical telescopes, they explore the universe and conduct research on galaxies, black holes, and more.
In India, astronomers investigate fascinating phenomena such as neutron stars and black holes. Aspiring astronomers can pursue a B.Tech in Mathematics and Computing.
Astronomer in a Nutshell
An astronomer studies celestial objects and phenomena, conducting research and developing theories to understand the universe. They typically work in observatories or research institutions, requiring a strong foundation in physics and mathematics. A career in astronomy involves advanced education (Ph.D.), analytical skills, and data interpretation.
Quick Facts for Astronomer
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Average Salary in India
₹150000
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Suitable for
Male, Female
Both women and men can choose to become an astronomer. A career as an astronomer requires great research skills and in-depth knowledge of natural sciences which can be possessed by both men and women.
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Any special needs
Yes
People with special needs can become an astronomer. A career as an astronomer mostly involves research work that can be easily carried out in a laboratory or an office setting.
Table of Contents for Astronomer
What is the role of Astronomer?
Are you wondering how to become an astronomer after 10th or how to become an astronomer after 12th? then we have answered your questions in this article. Individuals in astronomy careers in India study the evolution of stars, understand the creation of the sun and solar system, and predict future phenomena. Most part of an astronomer’s job revolves around research since their focus is finding unknown answers related to the universe.
Astronomy is the only field where an astronomer can witness all the wonders of physics working around the whole universe, and yet can not feel it physically. Astronomical scientists try to research and understand how the universe works. In astronomer careers, individuals apply the rules of maths and physics to observe objects from the Earth as well as other planets.
Identifying problems
The astronomer roles and responsibilities include identifying problems in a particular area of research. Individuals in the astronomer job analyse different devices to solve a specific problem arising in the proper functioning of a device or machinery. Individuals in astronomy careers in India investigate the failure of equipment or difficulties. He or she diagnoses faulty operations to recommend remedies. Read further to know how to become an astronomer in India.
What is the workplace/work environment of Astronomer like?
In a career as an astronomer, one works in a laboratory environment. He or she is responsible for overseeing the research and study process. Individuals who opt for a career as astronomer communicates with other departments as required for the project. Individuals in astronomy careers in India are responsible for effectively communicating with other departments as per the requirement of the project.
Does Astronomer require travelling?
Likely
When it comes to a career as astronomer, one is not required to travel. It is very rare for a scientist to work other than his or her lab. But, there are some professions, for example, forensic scientists have to travel to the crime scene in order to collect evidence.
Employment Shifts
Full Time
In a career as an astronomer, individuals work full-time. Work from home, on-call work, part-time or hourly basis employment shift is not provided in the career as an astronomer. Individuals who opt for a career as astronomers work from early mornings till late evenings. Shifts may also vary depending on the requirement of the organisation.
Employment Nature
Contractual, Permanent
Individuals in astronomy careers in India find employment opportunities on both a permanent as well as a contractual basis.
Work Place
Laboratory, Office
Presence in Geographical Area
Urban
In a career as an astronomer, one finds alluring opportunities in urban areas. Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and New Delhi provide promising opportunities for scientists. Having said that there are several research-based laboratories located in semi-urban areas as well.
Weekly Hours of Work
Min 35 Hours
Individuals in astronomer jobs work a minimum of 35 to 40 hours per week. The standard working hours may get extended due to excess work pressure. In the career of an astronomer, one may be required to work overtime or 9 to 10 hours to meet deadlines.
How to become a Astronomer?
Steps to become a Astronomer
If you have a passion for the night sky and want to study planets, stars, and other celestial bodies and want to conduct research and test out their theories to explain their origin and evolution, then a career as an astronomer is the most lucrative career option for you. Below, we have listed the steps for how to become an Astronomer in India.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Astronomer?
In this section, we will be answering the most commonly asked question that how to become an astronomer in India. In order to make a career as an astronomer, one must possess some skills. Here, in the steps below, we will discuss astronomer skills.
Research skills: In a career as an astronomer, one must be able to research effectively. The Astronomer of India is responsible for researching and implementing findings for developing new products using various tools and technologies.
Interpersonal skills: In a career as an astronomer, an individual is required to supervise the staff or researchers working under him or her. Individuals in astronomer jobs communicate with other departments according to the requirement of the research project. Astronomer of India works with other scientists as well to fulfil the requirements of the research project.
Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is one of the most important skills which is required in a career as an astronomer. For example, in case Forensic scientists are walking away from a crime scene with various pieces of information which could include blood splatter images, fingerprints, footprints, blood samples, and shell casings. Throughout the laboratory, experts not only evaluate each bit of evidence separately, but they would also, however, bring together the whole data to create an image of what happened at the crime scene.
Communication Skills: In a career as an astronomer, one must be able to understand spoken information. Astronomers of India should be able to speak and write clearly. Individuals in astronomer jobs are required to read and understand work-related materials. He or she should understand what others are saying and ask questions accordingly.
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Astronomer?
Below, we have mentioned a certification to pursue an astronomy career:
Anatomy Gastrointestinal, Reproductive and Endocrine Systems
Internship Availability
In order to make a career as an astronomer, it is important that an individual acquires knowledge about his or her areas of specialization in the form of an internship before professionally joining it. Astrophysics engineering provides him or her with the opportunity to learn about one’s interests as well.
Career Path Progression for Astronomer
Junior Astronomer: A junior astronomer is a professional who conducts small research related to his or her field of study and reports it to the senior authorities. Some daily duties of a junior astronomer are preparing research documents, conducting studies and research, and handling the departmental work assigned by a senior.
Senior Astronomer: A senior astronomer is a professional who leads the research programmes and is the main one in charge of the research. Individuals in astronomy careers in India are responsible for supervising their teammates, verifying the tasks, conducting separate research, and maintaining the overall task. A senior astronomer is generally involved in research in more than one field of astronomy such as stars, planets, comets, moons, galaxies, and all sorts of outer space bodies.
Astronomer Jobs and Salaries
Junior Astronomer
Contractual/Permanent
- Starting Salary 55000
Job Description
An astronomer is a professional who studies and researches several fields related to space and different space bodies. An astronomer’s job includes responsibilities like studying and researching the movement or behavior of stars, planets, comets, moons, galaxies, and all sorts of outer space bodies.
Salary Description
The salary of an astronomer varies depending on skills and work experience. There are numerous other factors that affect the salary such as the size and area of the organization. An entry-level astronomer could earn Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 55,000 per annum whereas someone who is experienced in the field can earn above Rs. 1,00,000 per month.
Senior astronomer
Contractual/Permanent
- Average Salary 150000
- Starting Salary 80000
Job Description
As a senior astronomer, an individual is expected to develop various astronomical theories and test them. Apart from this, there is also supervision forms an important aspect of an astronomer's job profile. A senior astronomer is also expected to write reports and review research papers
Salary Description
Salary of a senior astronomer starts from Rs, 80000 per month and goes until Rs. 1,50,000 per month. The salary depends on various factors such as the qualification and the experience of the individual. What kind and the number of research papers might also play a huge part in terms of determining the salary of the individual.
Frequently Asked Questions for Astronomer
Que. What does an astronomer do?
Ans.An astronomer is a type of scientist who studies primarily space, which includes topics such as the stars, the planets, and galaxies. Astronomers also study the evolution of stars, understand the creation of the sun and solar system, and predict future phenomena. Most part of an astronomer’s job revolves around research since their focus is finding unknown answers related to the universe.
Que. Do astronomers get paid well?
Ans.Yes, astronomers work in the research and development department of an organisation which qualifies them for a high pay package. The average salary of astronomers in India is around Rs. 15,50,000 per year.
Que. Is astronomy a good career in India?
Ans.A career as an astronomer is considered highly prestigious and rewarding. Astronomers in India work in the R&D departments of the organisation. Some of them become academicians in universities or institutions and pursue research along with teaching students. Astronomers lead a satisfying career life.
Que. Does ISRO hires astronomers?
Ans.ISRO, being a premier organisation in space research, hires both astronomy scientists and engineers.
Que. What is the salary of an astronomer working in ISRO?
Ans.Depending on the work experience, degree, and skills, the salary of an astronomer ranges anywhere between 1.5 lakhs per month to 6.2 lakhs per month.
Que. How long does it take to become an astronomer
Ans.If you want to become an Astronomer, you will require a doctorate degree in physics or astronomy or a master's degree in physical science, usually physics or astronomy. It will take about 10 years of education beyond normal high school education to become a research astronomer.
Que. What qualifications do you need to be an astronomer?
Ans.The qualification you require is a doctorate degree in physics or astronomy or a master's degree in physical science, usually physics or astronomy.
Que. Do astronomers get paid well?
Ans.An entry-level astronomer could earn Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 55,000 per annum and experienced in the field can earn above Rs 1,00,000 per month.
Que. Is astronomers a good career in India?
Ans.Yes, astronomy is a good career in India as it is a rewarding and highly paid-career. You can work in various research Institutions and big government organisations such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
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Questions related to Astronomer
another question, I am no aware that it is good to write JEE for astronomy, bit what about your rank in C.E.T. since the examination also concentrates on PCM. Will getting a good rank in C.E.T lead me towards astronomy or do i must and should write JEE?. I am doing CET prep as of now in college too.
Hi there,
Hope you are doing well.
Choosing to study astronomy can be exciting and intellectually rewarding. However pursuing a career in astronomy generally requires a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and sometimes computer science.
Both the jee exam and the cet exam are for different purposes. Giving the jee exam will help you in getting admission in any engineering college and pursuing that degree further.
Also, you can give the cet exam and then pursue your career further.
Both the exams are generally not inclined to the astronomy but can later help you in gaining some important knowledge related to physics and astronomy. You can also study about this in further details by visiting the official websites of both the examination authority.
Hope this resolves your query.
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