An astronomer is a
scientist
A scientist is a person who conducts scientific research to advance knowledge in an area of the natural sciences.
In classical antiquity, there was no real ancient analog of a modern scientist. Instead, philosophers engaged in the philosop ...
in the field of
astronomy
Astronomy () is a natural science that studies celestial objects and phenomena. It uses mathematics, physics, and chemistry in order to explain their origin and evolution. Objects of interest include planets, moons, stars, nebulae, g ...
who focuses their studies on a specific question or field outside the scope of
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only astronomical object known to harbor life. While large volumes of water can be found throughout the Solar System, only Earth sustains liquid surface water. About 71% of Earth's sur ...
. They observe
astronomical objects such as
star
A star is an astronomical object comprising a luminous spheroid of plasma (physics), plasma held together by its gravity. The List of nearest stars and brown dwarfs, nearest star to Earth is the Sun. Many other stars are visible to the naked ...
s,
planets,
moons,
comets and
galaxies – in either
observational (by analyzing the data) or
theoretical astronomy. Examples of topics or fields astronomers study include
planetary science,
solar astronomy, the
origin
Origin(s) or The Origin may refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media
Comics and manga
* Origin (comics), ''Origin'' (comics), a Wolverine comic book mini-series published by Marvel Comics in 2002
* The Origin (Buffy comic), ''The Origin'' (Bu ...
or
evolution of stars, or the
formation of galaxies. A related but distinct subject is
physical cosmology, which studies the
Universe
The universe is all of space and time and their contents, including planets, stars, galaxies, and all other forms of matter and energy. The Big Bang theory is the prevailing cosmological description of the development of the univers ...
as a whole.
Types
Astronomers usually fall under either of two main types:
observational and
theoretical. Observational astronomers make direct
observations of
celestial objects and analyze the data. In contrast, theoretical astronomers create and investigate
models of things that cannot be observed. Because it takes millions to billions of years for a system of stars or a galaxy to complete a life cycle, astronomers must observe snapshots of different systems at unique points in their evolution to determine how they form, evolve, and die. They use this data to create models or
simulation
A simulation is the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time. Simulations require the use of Conceptual model, models; the model represents the key characteristics or behaviors of the selected system or proc ...
s to theorize how different celestial objects work.
Further subcategories under these two main
branches of astronomy include
planetary astronomy,
galactic astronomy, or
physical cosmology.
Academic
Historically
History (derived ) is the systematic study and the documentation of the human activity. The time period of event before the invention of writing systems is considered prehistory. "History" is an umbrella term comprising past events as well ...
, astronomy was more concerned with the
classification and description of
phenomena in the sky, while
astrophysics attempted to explain these phenomena and the differences between them using
physical laws. Today, that distinction has mostly disappeared and the terms "astronomer" and "astrophysicist" are interchangeable. Professional astronomers are highly educated individuals who typically have a
PhD PHD or PhD may refer to:
* Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), an academic qualification
Entertainment
* '' PhD: Phantasy Degree'', a Korean comic series
* '' Piled Higher and Deeper'', a web comic
* Ph.D. (band), a 1980s British group
** Ph.D. (Ph.D. al ...
in
physics
Physics is the natural science that studies matter, its fundamental constituents, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. "Physical science is that department of knowledge which ...
or astronomy and are employed by research institutions or universities. They spend the majority of their time working on research, although they quite often have other duties such as teaching, building instruments, or aiding in the operation of an observatory.
The
American Astronomical Society, which is the major organization of professional astronomers in
North America
North America is a continent in the Northern Hemisphere and almost entirely within the Western Hemisphere. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and th ...
, has approximately 7,000 members. This number includes scientists from other fields such as physics,
geology
Geology () is a branch of natural science concerned with Earth and other Astronomical object, astronomical objects, the features or rock (geology), rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which they change over time. Modern geology ...
, and
engineering
Engineering is the use of scientific principles to design and build machines, structures, and other items, including bridges, tunnels, roads, vehicles, and buildings. The discipline of engineering encompasses a broad range of more speciali ...
, whose research interests are closely related to astronomy. The
International Astronomical Union
The International Astronomical Union (IAU; french: link=yes, Union astronomique internationale, UAI) is a nongovernmental organisation with the objective of advancing astronomy in all aspects, including promoting astronomical research, outreac ...
comprises almost 10,145 members from 70 countries who are involved in astronomical research at the PhD level and beyond.
Contrary to the classical image of an old astronomer peering through a
telescope
A telescope is a device used to observe distant objects by their emission, absorption, or reflection of electromagnetic radiation. Originally meaning only an optical instrument using lenses, curved mirrors, or a combination of both to obse ...
through the dark hours of the night, it is far more common to use a
charge-coupled device (CCD) camera to record a long, deep exposure, allowing a more sensitive image to be created because the
light
Light or visible light is electromagnetic radiation that can be perceived by the human eye. Visible light is usually defined as having wavelengths in the range of 400–700 nanometres (nm), corresponding to frequencies of 750–420 t ...
is added over time. Before CCDs,
photographic plates
Photographic plates preceded photographic film as a capture medium in photography, and were still used in some communities up until the late 20th century. The light-sensitive emulsion of silver salts was coated on a glass plate, typically thin ...
were a common method of observation. Modern astronomers spend relatively little time at telescopes usually just a few weeks per year. Analysis of observed phenomena, along with making predictions as to the causes of what they observe, takes the majority of observational astronomers' time.
Astronomers who serve as faculty spend much of their time teaching undergraduate and graduate classes. Most universities also have outreach programs including public telescope time and sometimes
planetariums as a public service to encourage interest in the field.
Those who become astronomers usually have a broad background in maths, sciences and computing in high school. Taking courses that teach how to research, write, and present papers are also invaluable. In college/university most astronomers get a PhD in astronomy or physics.
Amateur astronomers
While there is a relatively low number of professional astronomers, the field is popular among
amateurs. Most cities have amateur astronomy clubs that meet on a regular basis and often host
star parties. The
Astronomical Society of the Pacific is the largest general astronomical society in the world, comprising both professional and amateur astronomers as well as educators from 70 different nations.
Like any
hobby, most people who think of themselves as amateur astronomers may devote a few hours a month to
stargazing and reading the latest developments in research. However, amateurs span the range from so-called "armchair astronomers" to the very ambitious, who own science-grade telescopes and instruments with which they are able to make their own discoveries and assist professional astronomers in research.
See also
*
List of astronomers
The following is a list of astronomers, astrophysicists and other notable people who have made contributions to the field of astronomy. They may have won major prizes or awards, developed or invented widely used techniques or technologies within as ...
*
List of women astronomers
The following is a list of astronomers, astrophysicists and other notable women who have made contributions to the field of astronomy.
__NOTOC__
A
* Madge Adam (1912–2001), English solar astronomer
* Maggie Aderin-Pocock (born 1968), Engl ...
*
List of Muslim astronomers
*
List of French astronomers
The following are list of French astronomers, astrophysicists and other notable French people who have made contributions to the field of astronomy. They may have won major prizes or awards, developed or invented widely used techniques or technolo ...
*
List of Hungarian astronomers
A
* Alauda József
* Albert Ferenc
* Almár Iván
* Andrássy István
B
* Balajthi Máté
* Balázs Lajos
* Berkó Ernő
* Bogdán Ákos Max Planck Asztrofizikai Intézet
* Borkovits Tamás
* Both Előd
* Bruna Xaver Ferenc
D ...
*
List of Russian astronomers and astrophysicists
*
List of Slovenian astronomers
A list of notable astronomers from Slovenia:
{{compact ToC, side=yes, top=yes, num=yes
A
* Anton Ambschel (1749–1821)
B
* Franc Breckerfeld (1681–1744)
* Silvo Breskvar (1902–1969)
Č
* Andrej Čadež (born 1942)
* Lavo Če ...
References
Sources
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*
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External links
American Astronomical SocietyEuropean Astronomical SocietyInternational Astronomical UnionAstronomical Society of the PacificSpace's astronomy news
{{Authority control
Astronomy
Science occupations