Career In Astronomy
Are you interested in study of stars, moons, planets and comets?
If yes, then career in astronomy is the right choice for you.
Astronomy comprises the study of sun, moon, stars, planets, comets, space and other non-Earthly bodies.
“Astronomy is the branch of physics that deals with the study of celestial bodies like planets, stars, and galaxies. It refers to the study of objects outside the earth’s atmosphere and their physical and chemical properties”.
What does Astronomers do
Astronomers are the observers who discovers information about “how the universe works” from the planets in our solar system. It includes study about the evolution of stars.
Astronomer implements the principles of Mathematics and Physics to carried out research about the Universe. They makes the use of telescopes and computer programs for gathering data on the characteristics of planets, moons, stars and other objects.
Astronomers also work with scientists for conducting research.
There are several branches of astronomy such as Astrophysics, Astrometeorology, Astrobiology, Astrogeology and Astrometry.
What is the best thing about astronomer
They discover things that nobody have seen ever. They utilize their most of time in researching activities. The work of astronomer includes traveling, observing, writing reports, reading, teaching and working in offices.
How to become an Astronomer
- To become an Astronomer, a Ph.D degree is compulsory.
- First, you have to complete your 10+2 examination under the science stream, especially in Mathematics & Physics.
- After that, you can join an undergraduate course in Astronomy. You can join for an honors/major in Physics with Mathematics as a secondary subject.
- Thereafter, you can join postgraduate degree in Physics or Astronomy.
- After competing master degree, you can do specialization in astronomy leading to Ph. D
Courses & Duration
Students having interest in Physics and Mathematics can opt their career in the field of astronomy.
Have you completed your 12th?
If yes, then you can obtain bachelor’s degree in science subjects to continue your career in astronomy.
Also Check:
Engineering Courses After 12th
Astronomy courses are available at various levels and are listed below:
Bachelor’s Courses:
- B.Sc in Astrophysics – 3 year full-time course
- B.Sc in Astronomy – 3 year full-time course
- B.Tech in relevant Engineering
Master’s Courses:
Doctoral Courses:
- PhD. in Astronomy
- PhD. in Astronomy and Astrophysics
- PhD. in Astrophysics
- PhD. in Atmospheric Science and Astrophysics
Integrated Courses:
- Integrated M.Sc – Ph.D Programme in Physics and Astrophysics
- Integrated M.Tech – Ph.D (Tech.) programme in Astronomical Instrumentation
You can also make your career in astronomy after the completion of bachelor’s of engineering course in Electronics and Communication Engineering/Electrical Engineering.
To become an astronomer, you are required to earn Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in astronomy, physics or a similar field that is necessary for faculty and researcher positions.
Skills Required in an Astronomer
- Solid knowledge in Physics and Mathematics.
- Must have the knowledge of computer programmes and software.
- Good observation skills are required.
- Should have the capacity of solving complex problems and conducting research work.
- Ability to work with a team is required.
Admission Process
To get admission in the undergraduate astronomy courses, various Universities/colleges conduct their own entrance test. one of the such entrance test is called IISC 2019 (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore) that provides admission to undergraduate courses offered by IISc.
In order to take admission to PhD courses, you have to clear the GATE 2019/NET 2019 examination. You can also appear the JEST 2019 (Joint Entrance Screening Test) for admission into Ph.D course. After the completion of master’s degree, you can apply for this test.
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Top colleges offering courses in the field of Astronomy/Astrophysics are listed below:
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram
- The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAP), Bangalore
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai
- Osmania University, Hyderabad
- Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
Jobs & Career
Astronomy is an amazing & a promising career for the students, those are interested in the mysteries of the universe.
A career in Astronomy is broadly divided as Theoretical or Observational though.
Theoretical Research career is typically involves doing Bachelors in Engineering or Technology or Masters in Physics with the basic knowledge in Mathematics & Physics. You can join Universities or Institutions for a Ph.D programme & obtain a permanent job.
Observation Research Career is wider because students have an engineering degree or have knowledge of computer systems & electronics are encouraged to apply for the graduation programme & allows doing an M.Sc by research prior to doing a Ph.D.
There are various job opportunities exists in public and private organizations like Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), NASA, Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) etc.
As a brilliant astronomer, you may be offered by space research centres like ISRO, NASA etc.
Interested people can also join teaching profession after the accomplishment of pre-requisite qualification.
As a beginner, you can work as a fellow researcher with the existing team who already working on an Astronomy project.
You can also get internships at the different centers in India that do astronomy such as IUCAA, ARIES, NCRA, etc.
An engineer with a BE or B.Tech degree can also enter in this field as a research scholar.
After completion of your degree in Astronomy, you can work as a research scientist with various research Institutions & big government organizations such as the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
You can also work as a researcher in the leading observatories and Institutions in the USA.
Job Areas
- Research
- Universities
- Industry
Job Profile
- Research Scientist
- Lecturer
- Astronaut
- Astronomer
Salary
What will my Salary be?
Salary in the field of astronomy depends upon the profession you have chosen. If you choose your career in teaching the salary may be different from the one who are working as a researcher.
The starting salary of an astronomer starts from Rs 50,000/- per month. Those who have earned experience and are highly qualified will earn an annual salary of Rs. 8 lacs to Rs 10 lacs.
Books & Study Materials
You can refer these books for the preparation of astronomy:
Astronomy – A Beginner’s Guide to the Universe – Chaisson, McMillan
A Companion to Astronomy and Astrophysics – Kenneth R.Lang
Celestial Mechanics: The Waltz of the Planets – Alessandra Celletti, Ettore Perozzi
Fundamental Astronomy – H.Karttunen P.Kroger, H.Oja M.Poutanen, K.J. Donne
Astronomy Today – Chaisson, McMillan
For more information regarding Career in Astronomy, you may ask your queries below.
How to become an astronaut
Actually I wanted to know about how to do astronomy and neet simultaneously..and please give me a good idea.. please don’t give me the idea of dropping any one of them.. because they both are my true dreams…
I am a student of class 11th. I want to know how to become an astronot after 12th
Please tell me the name of universities for astronomy in India
I had completed my 12th in science (maths + phy + Chem + bio + IT) if I’m do BSC.IT then MBA or MSC so can I Become a astronomer OR astronaut OR astrophyscist…….
I have interest in planets and space activities and to know more about universe …..
So plz suggest me what can I do to complete my passion & complete my dreams
Please tell me which engineering stream would be the best option for me to become an astronomer….kindly please reply
i have now enrolled in b tech engineering course, but i am keenly interested in astronomy,can i do any courses along with my b tech so that i can gain acknowledge myself in astronomy . anyone please
How to get admission in Cambridge university for further studies in astrophysics? Im currently in 10th std
if i do bsc and msc in physics then i can go astronomers field.
Sir I want to pursue Astronomy . What should I do either pursue BSc(Pass course, Presently doing) or should go for electrical / electronics/CSE eng. (will it be helpful for my career as I have qualified JEE MAINS), or Go for Aerospace eng. From a private college?
I’ll be grateful if u answered it.
I am student of 11th . I want to become an astronomer and i don’t know where i should go for my career after passing the 12th.
is BSc Msc n Phd in astronmy is necessary to be an astronaut
I have completed my ssc exams, now I had to choose my career. I have interest on planets and knowing its secrets. I want to study it deeply. Which course is prefer for intermediate. I want to know…
I am a 12th pass student and I want to be a astronomer and astronaut also guide m the right way so that I could be what I want to be.
Thank you
If i get 60% in 12 th, i’ll be able to go for astronomy?
I’m studying B.Tech first year with cse group. I want to become an astrophyscist. Is it possible? If so , what are the courses and examinations.
I am in tenth and will be giving boards this year I want to do course of astrophysics and my parents are forcing me to do technical engineering what should I do?
does degree in astronomy contains maths in it?
I am currently a class 10 student and will give board exams next year. I want to become a cosmologist or astronomer at NASA, ESA, or ISRO. My parents want me to do aeronautical/aerospace engineering from IIT instead of astronomy/cosmology. What should I do? Please guide me!
Go as per your interest.
What is required for Astronomy. , B.Sc. or B.Tech.???
How can I become a space scientist about planets and stars?
Hello sir
Sir mai 12 ke baad mai astronomy or cosmology subject se aage ki study karna chahta hu. Please meri help kijiye.
Thank you
It’s awesome Adarsh
Cosmology is very interesting but tough subject and a PhD degree is must in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Cosmology or you may go with Astrobiology if not taken math in 10+2. You can look after the colleges that offers these subjects in India or abroad.
All the best.
I want to know that how I can become a cosmologist
Earning a bachelor’s degree in physics, astronomy, astrophysics, mathematics, or engineering with a focus in a relevant area such as aerospace engineering is typically the minimum requirement to get an entry-level job in cosmology, such as Research Assistant.
The coursework offered by the aforementioned degree programs will help you develop a core set of skills in the laws of physics and provide you with a highly applicable set of skills in mathematics, both of which will be necessary for a career as a cosmologist.
If you want to become a cosmologist that completes your own research projects, directs others in applied research, or teach at the college or university level, you will likely need a master’s or doctoral degree in physics, mathematics, astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field such as aerospace engineering. Many students will also complete post-doctorate work in an area of cosmology in which they seek to specialize.
I will certainly present my queries once I’m done with 9th class
I am so satisfied with my choice. The way you’ve presented all the information sends a really positive vibe. Everything is to the point. I have seen no other site like yours. You’re awesome. THANK YOU !!
What is in the branch astrobiology
In my knowledge Astrobiology is the study of biological processes,life cycle,the atmosphere,etc of other planets,moons or other celestial objects.
What is in the beach astrobiology?
I just want to ask you that
How to become an astronomer after 12th science
To become an astrnomer must have sc stream with pcm.After 12th get a bachelor degree in astronomy.
I’m graduate in btech civil engineering and i want to do career astronomy how can I?
Hi, iam now pursuing +2 in science (physics and maths).can you please inform me about each entrance exam (like KVPY,JEST,etc.)through which I can start my graduation in astronomy from known institutions like IISC etc.
Hi , i have completed my diploma in ec and i want to be an astronomer. Can i study bsc in physics, maths and electronics to do msc in astronomy next….please tell me if bsc in pme course are eligible to do msc in astronomy ??
I had completed my BE Mechanical in 2014 and after that I tried for govt exams like banking and SSC and now after 3 yrs I realised that am interested in astronomy and want to pursue career in it . so how can I proceed now to gain knowledge of astronomy. Kindly suggest!
IS IT HARD TO GET JOB AS GRAVITATIONAL ASTRONAMER. HOW MANY JOBS IN WORLD
I COMPLETED 12TH(MPC) I GOT 88.6%. WHAT SHOULD MY NEXT STEP TO BECOME GRAVITATIONAL ASTRONAMER.
I have completed my 10th and i want to do career in astrophysics,how can i?
Their is age limit in astrophysics or giving entrance exams ?
On the basis of graduate course in astrophysics can I join as scientist or astronaut in organisation like ISRO or any other ?
Is their need of PhD course ?
I am in 12th.I want to be astronomer. If I complete my btech then mtech then PhD then can I get job as a astronomer or astronaut?
yes you can apply for astraunaut.
If I do a B.Tech course and then do a M.Sc and PhD course in astronomy or astrophysics, will I get an oppurtunity to become a research scientist in astronomy?
If I do any B.tech course and then do M.Sc and PhD in astronomy and astrophysics ,will i get an opportunity to become a research scientist in astronomy??
yes.
So what will be the difference in my astronomical career if i do my undergraduate in B.Tech or B.Sc??
I’m graduate in B.Sc(General) with PCM as main subject. What will better scope for me if I want to continue study in science field.