Summary for:
AstronomersDescription:
Observe, research, and interpret celestial and astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge and apply such information to practical problems.Sample of reported job titles:
Sample of reported job titles: Astronomer, Research Scientist, Astrophysicist, Lunar and Planetary Institute Director, National Radio Astronomy Observatory Director, Observatory Director, Space Sciences Director
Tasks | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Activites | Experience | Example | Education | Work Style | Work Values | Related Jobs | Wage | Employment | Expected Growth | Expected Need
Tasks:
- Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
- Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
- Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.
- Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
- Raise funds for scientific research.
- Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
- Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.
- Teach astronomy or astrophysics.
- Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation.
Knowledge:
| Physics ó 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. |
| Mathematics ó Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
| English Language ó Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
| Computers and Electronics ó Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
| Engineering and Technology ó 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. |
| Education and Training ó Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
Skills:
| Science ó Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
| Critical Thinking ó Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
| Mathematics ó Using mathematics to solve problems. |
| Reading Comprehension ó Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. |
| Complex Problem Solving ó identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
| Active Learning ó Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
| Writing ó Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
| Programming ó Writing computer programs for various purposes. |
| Active Listening ó 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. |
| Speaking ó Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
Abilities:
| Inductive Reasoning ó The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
| Written Comprehension ó The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
| Deductive Reasoning ó The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
| Written Expression ó The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
| Near Vision ó The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
| Oral Comprehension ó The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
| Oral Expression ó The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
| Flexibility of Closure ó The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material. |
| Mathematical Reasoning ó The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. |
| Originality ó 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. |
Work Activities:
| Interacting With Computers ó Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| Analyzing Data or Information ó identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
| Getting Information ó Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Thinking Creatively ó Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
| Processing Information ó Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
| Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge ó Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| Making Decisions and Solving Problems ó Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| identifying Objects, Actions, and Events ó identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information ó Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
| Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others ó Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
Work Experience:
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.Work Examples:
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include librarians, lawyers, aerospace engineers, physicists, school psychologists, and surgeons.Education Requirements:
A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).Work Style:
| Analytical Thinking ó Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
| Achievement/Effort ó Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
| Initiative ó Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
| Persistence ó Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
| Integrity ó Job requires being honest and ethical. |
| Independence ó 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. |
| Innovation ó Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
| Attention to Detail ó Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
| Dependability ó Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
| Stress Tolerance ó Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. |
Work Values:
| Achievement ó 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. |
| Independence ó Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
| Recognition ó 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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