Description
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
- • 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.
- • Calculate orbits and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies.
- • Direct the operations of a planetarium.
- • Review scientific proposals and research papers.
- • Serve on professional panels and committees.
- • Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
- • Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena.
- • Conduct question-and-answer presentations on astronomy topics with public audiences.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
