Astronomer
Astronomers study the origin and structure of the universe, including its planets, stars, galaxies and black holes.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day to day duties will depend on your area of expertise.
In observational astronomy, you could:
- collect and analyse data from satellites and spacecraft
- explore space using radio and optical telescopes
- design new instruments and maintain existing equipment
- develop software to interpret images and data captured by satellites
In theoretical astronomy, you could:
- create computer models to test theories about space activities
- analyse the results of past observations to make new predictions
- make observations and develop theories
- analyse data to help build our understanding of events in the universe
Working environment
You could work in an observatory, in a laboratory, at a university or visit sites.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.
Career path and progression
You'll usually start as a post-doctoral researcher before moving on to permanent posts that can lead to becoming a professor.
You can transfer your science skills across lots of careers and sectors, for example:
- aerospace research and development
- satellite research and development
- systems analysis
- software engineering
- teaching and lecturing
- science communication
- finance
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of physics
- analytical thinking skills
- science skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- concentration skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become
You can get into this job through a university course.
You'll need a degree and postgraduate qualification to work as an astronomer. You'll usually need to have achieved a first or a 2:1 in your degree.
Relevant subjects include:
- maths
- physics
- astrophysics
- geophysics
- astronomy
- space science
You can also do an extended 4-year degree to get a postgraduate qualification like a master of physics. These courses include more independent research and can lead directly onto a PhD.
Many employers will expect you to have completed, or be working towards, a PhD in your specialist area of interest.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
Career tips
Join an amateur astronomy group to share your interest, develop connections and get observation experience.
Further information
You can find more advice on careers in astronomy from the Royal Astronomical Society and SpaceCareers.uk.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.