Astronomer

//Alyssa Daywalt// **Skills required:** **Knowledge required:** **Education required:** Bachelor’s degree (minimum); Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. are encouraged; on-the-job training may be required
 * Job title: **Astronomer
 * Job description: **study celestial and astronomical occurrences and objects to increase knowledge and apply the learned information to practical problems
 * Interests:** Investigative-involves working with ideas and requires a large amount of thinking, and can involve searching for facts and mentally solving problems
 * Tasks completed in this career:**
 * study celestial phenomena using scientific instruments such as telescopes
 * analyze data using computers and determine its significance
 * present research to the public at conferences and in scientific journals
 * measure emissions from extraterrestrial sources
 * create theories based on your own observations as well other astronomers
 * raise money for research
 * work with other astronomers on research projects
 * develop new software for analysis and observation; teach astronomy
 * develop or modify programs based on astronomy for the public
 * determine and calculate size, shapes, orbits, motions, and brightness of astronomical phenomena
 * science: use scientific method and theories
 * critical thinking: use logic and reason to solve problems
 * reading comprehension: understand written works
 * math: use mathematics to solve problems
 * complex problem solving: identify problems and develop solutions based on related information
 * active learning: understand the meaning of new information for current and future problems
 * writing: communicate through writing effectively
 * physics: knowledge of the laws of physics
 * math: knowledge of basic math, algebra, geometry, calculus, trigonometry, and statistics
 * the English language: knowledge of proper spelling, grammar, and rules of composition in the English language
 * computers and electronics: knowledge of the applications and programs for computers and other electronics
 * engineering and technology: knowledge of the application of technology and engineering
 * education and training: knowledge of how to instruct others
 * chemistry; knowledge of the use and properties and chemicals
 * Training programs:** none available
 * Wages:** $31 for an entry-level worker, $63 for a skilled worker
 * Outlook:** Least Favorable employment prospects based on growth rate as well as annual job openings
 * Related Jobs: **Surveyors, Mechanical engineers, Civil drafters, Aerospace engineering and Operations Technicians, Electrical engineering technicians, Physicists, Geoscientists (not including Geographers)