Astronomer Name: Brian Bustos NOC #: 2111

JOB DESCRIPTION There is a lot more to astronomy than just stargazing to find stars. Astronomers carry out observational and theoretical research into the nature of the universe using advanced physics and mathematics. The science of astronomy can go back as far as ancient Egypt, young astronomers in those days were fascinated by the motion of the stars and planets. Today, astronomers develop and use highly advanced telescopes and computerized instruments to further their career. Astronomers are also known as observational astronomers which are mostly based at major observatories, universities, and research institutions. They use equipment such as optical or radio telescopes to collect and analyze data about stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. Astronomers measure properties such as mass, distance, size, and motion of the objects in space. They pay extreme attention to objects that might crash into the earth, such as meteors. Astronomers also work with other scientists, like meteorologists, to predict weather patterns and other occurrences. If you think this sounds like a huge complex field, you’re correct!

WORKING CONDITIONS Astronomers generally work from nine to five, spending time on telescopes when required, although most of their time is spent on computers analyzing data and writing about their research. They carry out experiments in labs in order to test their theories. In addition, astronomers can help develop and implement new instruments, through working in large agencies such as NASA. NASA is an agency that is focused on space exploration and space discovery. NASA can cooperate with other organizations and technologies to part data and information about our global issues such as with the Greenhouse Gases Observing Telescope.

EARNINGS Most astronomers work at universities as professors but many others work for government organizations, observatories, museums, and planetariums. Earnings depend on experience. Most full-time astronomers can receive benefits in addition to their salaries. Benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Full-time Professorship $60,000 to $140,000 a year Full-time Professorship $60,000 to $140,000 a year Assistant Professorship $45,000 to $60,000 a year Assistant Professorship $45,000 to $60,000 a year Non-Professor Positions $35,000 to $100,000 a year Non-Professor Positions $35,000 to $100,000 a year

EDUCATION AND TRAINING The education in the astronomy field varies greatly, you have to be able to write clearly and should take math and science courses. A PhD in astronomy is required for most positions in this field. Astronomers who work for planetarium museums or observatories may be hired with only a bachelor’s degree in astronomy. Senior positions with the government and agencies require PhD and upward of ten years of studying.

OTHER SUGGESTED QUALIFICATIONS Other good attributes and abilities to have to work in this field: Curious Curious Organized Organized Analytical Analytical An interest in physics and math An interest in physics and math Public speaking and meetings Public speaking and meetings Independent and group skills Independent and group skills

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Name of Institution: Queen’s University Name of Program: Bachelor of Science, Honours Physics and Astronomy Program Description: Tackling problems through observation and experimentation through mathematics, and being at the leading edge of research in science and technology. The department of physics or astronomy will lead to careers in medicine, aerospace, planetary science, nuclear, astrophysics, and more.

PROGRAM DETAILS Admission Requirements Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Earth and Space Math: Functions, Advanced Functions, and Calculus and Vectors English: Academic and University Admission Procedures Bachelor of Science Degree in physics or astronomy Bachelor of Science Degree in physics or astronomy Master’s Degree Master’s Degree PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

SAMPLE CAREER PATH Level 1 – Post-Doctoral Fellow $30,000 to $40,000 a year $30,000 to $40,000 a year PhD requirement PhD requirement Conducts research Conducts research Level 2 – Assistant Professor $45,000 to $60,000 a year $45,000 to $60,000 a year Completion of Post-Doctoral Fellowship Completion of Post-Doctoral Fellowship Administrative work Administrative work Level 3 – Associate Professor $60,000 to $80,000 a year $60,000 to $80,000 a year Tenure requirement Tenure requirement Significant administrative work Significant administrative work Level 4 – Professor of Astronomy $80,000 to $140,000 a year $80,000 to $140,000 a year International recognition International recognition Major administrative work Major administrative work

RELATED CAREERS Related careers to an astronomer: Astronaut Astronaut Computer programmer Computer programmer Geologist Geologist Hydrologist / Hydro geologist Hydrologist / Hydro geologist Mathematician Mathematician Oceanographer Oceanographer Physicist Physicist Professor Professor Scientist Scientist Statistician Statistician

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND RESOURCES Other agencies of astronomy: Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) Canadian Astronomical Society (CASCA) Canadian Astronomical Society (CASCA) Canadian Astronomy Education Canadian Astronomy Education Astronomical Society of the Pacific (US) Astronomical Society of the Pacific (US) American Astronomical Society (US) American Astronomical Society (US) Hubble Site (US) Hubble Site (US) Astronomy.com (US) Astronomy.com (US) Astronomy Now Online (UK) Astronomy Now Online (UK) NASA NASA etails.aspx?LoginID=9352c66c-20f4-488f- a354-63e0eecc6d14- &OccNumber=39&field=AtaGlance etails.aspx?LoginID=9352c66c-20f4-488f- a354-63e0eecc6d14- &OccNumber=39&field=AtaGlance etails.aspx?LoginID=9352c66c-20f4-488f- a354-63e0eecc6d14- &OccNumber=39&field=AtaGlance etails.aspx?LoginID=9352c66c-20f4-488f- a354-63e0eecc6d14- &OccNumber=39&field=AtaGlance

INTERESTING FACT Are we alone out there? Could there be any other types of life forms? We soon might know for certain as our technology and society keeps growing! Our sun which is the nearest star to us is 93 million miles away, it would take a space shuttle 7 months to fly there, if it could even make it!