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Astronomer

Aliases: Astrophysicist

Industry/Sector(s): Education, Training and Research


JOB DESCRIPTION 1

The tasks an Astronomer is expected to perform include:

  • Studying sizes, shapes, position, masses, movement and other characteristics of heavenly bodies such as Moon, planets and stars
  • Interpreting solar and stellar prominences and other celestial phenomena
  • Observing celestial bodies with telescopes fitted with complex devices such as spectroscopes, photometers, bolometers and other photography and radiation-recording instruments
  • Recording observations
  • Computing position and orbits of stars, planets, comets and asteroids
  • Taking photographs of Sun in calcium and hydrogen lights to locate Sun spots and eruption
  • Interpreting data regarding size, composition, position, temperature, etc. of planet and other heavenly bodies at given times for use by air and sea navigators
  • Publishing results of observations and solar prominences, dark marking and other phenomena
  • Sending periodical messages to research centres regarding solar and geomagnetic observations, behaviour and other phenomena of Sun and Moon 
  • Undertaking research in special fields​
WORK ENVIRONMENT 1, 2
  • It is not a desk job
  • Need not handle a team
  • Local travelling is a part of this job role
  • Part-time work and contractual jobs may be available
  • Work from home option is not available
Working hours​
  • Organizations usually work for 5/6 days a week and 8/9 hours everyday. This may vary from organization to organization
  • Shift system may be available
  • Overtime may be required
Is the job suitable for a candidate with special needs?

​​​​​​​​​​​This may vary from organization to organization​​

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING 3

Preferably, Master’s in astronomy/physics

KEY COMPETENCIES 1
  • Ability to solve complex problems, conduct research and accurately analyse data
  • Knowledge of specific science-related software programmes
  • Proficient in maths and science
  • Skilled in observing celestial bodies with telescopes
  • Skilled in using photography devices such as spectroscopes, photometers and bolometers
  • Knowledge of characteristics of different celestial bodies
  • Ability to observe and make new discoveries​
DESIRABLE COMPETENCIES 1
  • Good communication skills
  • Hardworking​
AVAILABLE SKILL TRAINING AND LEARNING INSTITUTES 

Universities offering astronomy and physics across India

AVAILABLE SKILL TRAINING SCHEMES/SCHOLARSHIPS 

For scholarship and schemes, use further links like:

  • https://scholarships.gov.in/​
SAMPLE OF TRAINING AND LEARNING COURSES 

http://www.iiap.res.in/course_syllabus.html

CAREER PROGRESSION PATH 4
​Head of Department
         ↑
Astronomer → Teacher
         ↑
Junior Researcher​
The progression is indicative
EXPECTED EARNINGS 3
  • ​For new entrants - Rs 50,000 to Rs 51,000 per month

These figures are indicative and subject to change​

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE 3

Some organizations hire new entrants too

PROBABLE EMPLOYERS 3

Public and private research and observation centres

KEYWORDS 
  • ​Astronomer
  • Astrophysicist
OCCUPATIONAL CODES AND STANDARDS 
StandardCodeDescription
NCO 20152111.0900Astronomer
ISCO 20082111 Physicists and Astronomers
NIC 200872100Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering
QP ReferenceNot availableNot available
NSQFNot availableNot available
REFERENCES 
1http://dget.nic.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/publication/Des-Div-2.pdf
2http://www.ccdisabilities.nic.in/page.php?s=reg&t=def&p=list_jobsNew
3https://targetstudy.com/professions/astronomer.html​
4http://dget.nic.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/publication/Des-Div-2.pdf
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