Astronomers
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
Sample of reported job titles:
Astronomer, Astrophysicist, Data Scientist, Research Scientist, Scientist
Occupation-Specific Information
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.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software:Adaptive optics AO simulation software,Analyze,Astronomical Image Processing for Windows AIP4WIN,Astronomical Image Processing System AIPS,Astronomical information processing system AIPS++,Data reduction software,Diffraction Limited MaxIm DL,European Southern Observatory Munich Image Data Analysis System ESO-MIDAS,IBM SPSS Statistics,MSB Software Astroart,Multipurpose Interactive Image Processing System MIIPS,SAS statistical software,Software Bisque CCDSoft,Starcal,The MathWorks MATLAB,Visual Numerics PV-WAVE
- Data base management system software:Apache Hadoop
- Data base user interface and query software:Spectroscopy databases,Structured query language SQL
- Development environment software:Abstraction plus reference plus synthesis A++,Formula translation/translator FORTRAN,Interface definition language IDL,National Instruments LabVIEW,Software development tools
- Graphics or photo imaging software:Avis Fits Viewer,IRIS
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Working with Computers: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:Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems:Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Thinking Creatively:Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Detailed Work Activities
- Advise students on academic or career matters.
- Analyze operational or research data.
- Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
- Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.
- Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.
Work Context
- Electronic Mail:95% responded"Every day"
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled:95% responded"Every day"
- Freedom to Make Decisions:82% responded"A lot of freedom"
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate:73% responded"Extremely important"
- Structured versus Unstructured Work:73% responded"A lot of freedom"
Worker Requirements
Skills
- Reading Comprehension:Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Science:Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Critical Thinking:Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Active Learning:Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Active Listening: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.
Knowledge
- Mathematics:Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Physics: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.
- Computers and Electronics:Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- English Language:Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Engineering and Technology: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
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
- 64%Post-Doctoral Training
- 27%Doctoral Degree
Worker Characteristics
Abilities
- Deductive Reasoning:The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Inductive Reasoning:The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Mathematical Reasoning:The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
- Oral Expression:The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Information Ordering:The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Interests
- Investigative:Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
- Artistic:Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
- Realistic:Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Work Values
- Achievement: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:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
- Recognition: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.
Work Styles
- Analytical Thinking:Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Initiative:Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Achievement/Effort:Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
- Integrity:Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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