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Astronomers
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CheckoutCareers.com
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Astronomers
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Observe, research, and interpret celestial and astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge and apply such information to practical problems.
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Degrees
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Abilities
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Oral Expression| | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
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Written Comprehension| | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
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Written Expression| | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
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Oral Comprehension| | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
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Mathematical Reasoning| | The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. |
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Category Flexibility| | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
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Deductive Reasoning| | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
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Flexibility of Closure| | The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material. |
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Inductive Reasoning| | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
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Far Vision| | The ability to see details at a distance. |
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Number Facility| | The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. |
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Originality| | The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem. |
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Speech Clarity| | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
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Fluency of Ideas| | The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity). |
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Information Ordering| | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
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Near Vision| | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
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Problem Sensitivity| | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. |
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Speech Recognition| | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
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Selective Attention| | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. |
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Perceptual Speed| | The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object. |
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Speed of Closure| | The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns. |
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Visual Color Discrimination| | The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness. |
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Memorization| | The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures. |
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Visualization| | The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. |
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Time Sharing| | The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources). |
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Finger Dexterity| | The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects. |
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Hearing Sensitivity| | The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness. |
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Depth Perception| | The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object. |
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Auditory Attention| | The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds. |
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Control Precision| | The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. |
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Night Vision| | The ability to see under low light conditions. |
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Spatial Orientation| | The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you. |
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Manual Dexterity| | The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. |
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Interests
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Investigative| | Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally. |
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Third Interest High-Point| | Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness |
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Realistic| | Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others. |
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Conventional| | Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow. |
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Artistic| | Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules. |
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Enterprising| | Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business. |
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First Interest High-Point| | Primary-Rank Descriptiveness |
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Social| | Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others. |
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Second Interest High-Point| | Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness |
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Knowledge
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Physics| | Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes. |
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Mathematics| | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
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Computers and Electronics| | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
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Education and Training| | Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
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Engineering and Technology| | Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. |
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English Language| | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
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Chemistry| | Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods. |
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Administration and Management| | Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. |
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Communications and Media| | Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media. |
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Design| | Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. |
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Mechanical| | Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. |
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Geography| | Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life. |
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Personnel and Human Resources| | Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems. |
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Telecommunications| | Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems. |
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Foreign Language| | Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation. |
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Clerical| | Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology. |
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Biology| | Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment. |
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Philosophy and Theology| | Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture. |
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Sales and Marketing| | Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems. |
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Customer and Personal Service| | Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
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Psychology| | Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. |
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Law and Government| | Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process. |
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History and Archeology| | Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures. |
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Economics and Accounting| | Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data. |
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Public Safety and Security| | Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. |
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Transportation| | Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits. |
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Production and Processing| | Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. |
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Sociology and Anthropology| | Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins. |
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Building and Construction| | Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads. |
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Therapy and Counseling| | Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance. |
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Fine Arts| | Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture. |
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Medicine and Dentistry| | Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures. |
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Wages
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| Massachusetts | $114,740.00 |
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Related Careers
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Aerospace Engineering & Operations Technicians| | Operate, install, calibrate, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data. |
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Civil Drafters| | Prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewerage control systems. |
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Electrical Engineering Technicians| | Apply electrical theory and related knowledge to test and modify developmental or operational electrical machinery and electrical control equipment and circuitry in industrial or commercial plants and laboratories. Usually work under direction of engineering staff. |
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Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists & Geographers| | Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the earth's internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists. |
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Hydrologists| | Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere. |
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Mechanical Engineers| | Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of such equipment as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems. |
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Physicists| | Conduct research into the phases of physical phenomena, develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply laws and theories to industry and other fields. |
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Surveyors| | Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes. |
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Skills
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Science| | Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
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Critical Thinking| | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
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Active Learning| | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
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Mathematics| | Using mathematics to solve problems. |
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Reading Comprehension| | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. |
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Complex Problem Solving| | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
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Writing| | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
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Active Listening| | Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
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Programming| | Writing computer programs for various purposes. |
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Equipment Selection| | Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job. |
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Speaking| | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
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Judgment and Decision Making| | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
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Instructing| | Teaching others how to do something. |
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Persuasion| | Persuading others to change their minds or behavior. |
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Monitoring| | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
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Learning Strategies| | Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. |
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Technology Design| | Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs. |
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Operations Analysis| | Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design. |
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Time Management| | Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
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Troubleshooting| | Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it. |
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Management of Financial Resources| | Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures. |
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Quality Control Analysis| | Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. |
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Coordination| | Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
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Systems Evaluation| | Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system. |
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Systems Analysis| | Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. |
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Management of Personnel Resources| | Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job. |
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Negotiation| | Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences. |
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Operation Monitoring| | Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. |
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Operation and Control| | Controlling operations of equipment or systems. |
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Management of Material Resources| | Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work. |
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Social Perceptiveness| | Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
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Installation| | Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications. |
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Equipment Maintenance| | Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed. |
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Repairing| | Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools. |
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Service Orientation| | Actively looking for ways to help people. |
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Tasks
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| Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments. |
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| Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers. |
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| Present research findings at scientific conferences, and in papers written for scientific journals. |
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| Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources. |
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| Develop theories based on personal observations, or on observations and theories of other astronomers. |
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| Raise funds for scientific research. |
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| Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects. |
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| Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis. |
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| Teach astronomy or astrophysics. |
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| Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation. |
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| Calculate orbits, and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies. |
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| Direct the operations of a planetarium. |
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Career Activities
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| Analyzing Data or Information |
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| analyze scientific research data or investigative findings |
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| Getting Information |
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| collect scientific or technical data |
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| collect statistical data |
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| Analyzing Data or Information |
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| conduct field research or investigative studies |
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| conduct nuclear research |
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| conduct research into the relationship between time or space |
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| conduct research on astronomical phenomenon |
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| Thinking Creatively |
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| design equipment, apparatus, or instruments for scientific research |
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| develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws |
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| Analyzing Data or Information |
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| forecast or predict phenomena based upon research data |
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| identify positions of celestial bodies for navigational purposes |
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| perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research |
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| Processing Information |
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| classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena |
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| develop tables depicting data |
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| Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge |
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| use knowledge of investigation techniques |
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| use library or online Internet research techniques |
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| use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems |
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| use physical science research techniques |
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| use quantitative research methods |
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| use scientific research methodology |
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| use teaching techniques |
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| Making Decisions and Solving Problems |
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| make decisions |
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| resolve engineering or science problems |
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| Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others |
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| explain complex mathematical information |
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| present research papers or dissertations on physical science issues |
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| write scholarly or technical research papers |
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| Communicating with Persons Outside Organization |
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| communicate technical information |
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| Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates |
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| confer with research personnel |
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| Communicating with Persons Outside Organization |
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| confer with scientists |
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| make presentations |
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| Interacting With Computers |
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| develop or maintain databases |
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| Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work |
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| plan scientific research or investigative studies |
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| Interacting With Computers |
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| use computers to enter, access or retrieve data |
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| use relational database software |
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| use spreadsheet software |
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| use word processing or desktop publishing software |
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| Documenting/Recording Information |
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| record test results, test procedures, or inspection data |
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| Provide Consultation and Advice to Others |
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| advise clients or customers |
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| advise governmental or industrial personnel |
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| Developing Objectives and Strategies |
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| develop plans for programs or projects |
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| write research or project grant proposals |
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| Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others |
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| direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff |
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| direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies |
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| Performing Administrative Activities |
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| maintain records, reports, or files |
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| prepare reports |
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| prepare technical reports or related documentation |
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| Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards |
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| adhere to safety procedures |
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Career Context
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| Electronic Mail |
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| Structured versus Unstructured Work |
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| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled |
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| Freedom to Make Decisions |
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| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate |
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| Level of Competition |
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| Face-to-Face Discussions |
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| Telephone |
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| Spend Time Sitting |
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| Work With Work Group or Team |
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| Contact With Others |
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| Consequence of Error |
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| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks |
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| Letters and Memos |
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| Coordinate or Lead Others |
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| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results |
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| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls |
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| Frequency of Decision Making |
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| Responsibility for Outcomes and Results |
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| Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable |
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| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions |
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| Time Pressure |
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Career Styles
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Analytical Thinking| | Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
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Achievement/Effort| | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
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Initiative| | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
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Persistence| | Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
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Integrity| | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
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Independence| | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
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Innovation| | Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
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Attention to Detail| | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
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Dependability| | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
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Stress Tolerance| | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. |
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Adaptability/Flexibility| | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
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Leadership| | Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. |
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Cooperation| | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
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Self Control| | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
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Concern for Others| | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
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Social Orientation| | Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job. |
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Career Needs
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Autonomy| | Workers on this job plan their work with little supervision. |
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Independence| | Workers on this job do their work alone. |
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Ability Utilization| | Workers on this job make use of their individual abilities. |
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Moral Values| | Workers on this job are never pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong. |
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Creativity| | Workers on this job try out their own ideas. |
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Responsibility| | Workers on this job make decisions on their own. |
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Achievement| | Workers on this job get a feeling of accomplishment. |
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Working Conditions| | Workers on this job have good working conditions. |
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Security| | Workers on this job have steady employment. |
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Company Policies and Practices| | Workers on this job are treated fairly by the company. |
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Compensation| | Workers on this job are paid well in comparison with other workers. |
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Social Status| | Workers on this job are looked up to by others in their company and their community. |
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Recognition| | Workers on this job receive recognition for the work they do. |
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Activity| | Workers on this job are busy all the time. |
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Variety| | Workers on this job have something different to do every day. |
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Advancement| | Workers on this job have opportunities for advancement. |
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Supervision, Human Relations| | Workers on this job have supervisors who back up their workers with management. |
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Co-workers| | Workers on this job have co-workers who are easy to get along with. |
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Authority| | Workers on this job give directions and instructions to others. |
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Supervision, Technical| | Workers on this job have supervisors who train their workers well. |
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Social Service| | Workers on this job have work where they do things for other people. |
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Career Values
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Independence| | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
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Achievement| | Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
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Working Conditions| | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
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Recognition| | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. |
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Relationships| | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. |
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Support| | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
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