Description
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to advance scientific knowledge and solve practical problems.
- • Study celestial phenomena using ground- and space-based telescopes and instruments.
- • Analyze observational data with computational methods to assess significance.
- • Present findings at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.
- • Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and X-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.
- • Develop and refine theories based on observations and prior research.
- • Seek funding to support research.
- • Collaborate with astronomers and allied scientists on research projects.
- • Design and develop instrumentation and software for observation and analysis.
- • Teach courses in astronomy or astrophysics.
- • Create and adapt astronomy programs for public outreach.
- • Calculate orbits and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of celestial bodies.
- • Direct planetarium operations.
- • Review scientific proposals and manuscripts.
- • Serve on professional panels and committees.
- • Mentor graduate students and junior researchers.
- • Supervise student research on astronomical phenomena.
- • Lead question-and-answer sessions on astronomy for 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
