Career Overview
- Astronomers use the laws of physics and mathematics to learn about the nature of matter and energy throughout the universe
- apply their knowledge to solve problems in navigation, space flight, and satellite communications
- develop the instruments and techniques needed to observe and collect astronomical data
- some astronomers primarily gather and analyze large quantities of data from observatories and satellites
- spend a few weeks each year making observations with telescopes
- analyze the observations, put them into numerical form, and if possible, explain them using existing hypothesis or theories
- often specialize in one area, such as the sun, the solar system, or in the development of instruments and techniques
- some spend most of their time working on new hypothesis, theories, or mathematical models
- they often use computers to help them do the many calculations required to develop complex hypothesis about space