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

Standard	Code	Description
NCO 2015	2111.0900	Astronomer
ISCO 2008	2111	Physicists and Astronomers
NIC 2008	72100	Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering
QP Reference	Not available	Not available
NSQF	Not available	Not available

REFERENCES

1	http://dget.nic.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/publication/Des-Div-2.pdf
2	http://www.ccdisabilities.nic.in/page.php?s=reg&t=def&p=list_jobsNew
3	https://targetstudy.com/professions/astronomer.html
4	http://dget.nic.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/publication/Des-Div-2.pdf

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