Astronomer Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does an Astronomer Do?
Astronomers research the formation, structures, properties, and development of celestial bodies and interstellar matter. They use ground-based equipment and space-based equipment to collect data about the space for research purposes.
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Astronomy
The field of science that studies the physics, chemistry, and evolution of celestial objects such as stars, comets, and moons. It also examines phenomena that happen outside Earth's atmosphere such as solar storms, cosmic microwave background radiation, and gamma ray bursts.
These are common skills for this role, based on a European framework. Requirements vary between jobs, including in the UK. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box - use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become an Astronomer
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialAstronomy knowledge
The field of science that studies the physics, chemistry, and evolution of celestial objects such as stars, comets, and moons. It also examines phenomena that happen outside Earth's atmosphere such …
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EssentialScientific Research Methodology knowledge
The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
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EssentialMathematics knowledge
Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove …
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EssentialPhysics knowledge
The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.
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EssentialStatistics knowledge
The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data …
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EssentialApply Scientific Methods skill
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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EssentialApply Statistical Analysis Techniques skill
Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.
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EssentialExecute Analytical Mathematical Calculations skill
Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
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EssentialGather Experimental Data skill
Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
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EssentialOperate Scientific Measuring Equipment skill
Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.
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EssentialPerform Scientific Research skill
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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EssentialCarry Out Scientific Research In Observatory skill
Perform research in a building equipped for the observation of natural phenomena, especially in relation to celestial bodies.
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Optional Skills (5 of 18 displayed)
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OptionalOptoelectronics knowledge
Branch of electronics and optics dedicated to the study and use of electronic devices that detect and control light.
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OptionalGeophysics knowledge
The scientific field that deals with the physical processes and properties of, and spatial environment surrounding Earth. Geophysics also deals with the quantitative analysis of phenomena such as magnetic fields, …
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OptionalScientific Modelling knowledge
Scientific activity consisting in selecting the relevant aspects of a situation and aiming to represent physical processes, empirical objects and phenomena to allow a better understanding, visualisation or quantification, and …
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OptionalOptics knowledge
The science that studies the elements and reaction of light.
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OptionalAeronomy knowledge
Branch of atmospheric physics dealing with the parts of the atmosphere where reactions of ionization and dissociation are predominant, and with the atmosphere of other planets.
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OptionalOptomechanical Engineering knowledge
Subset of mechanical engineering specialised in optical systems and products, such as binoculars, microscopes, telescopes, and spectrometers, as well as optomechanical components, such as optical mounts and optical mirrors.
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OptionalTypes Of Optical Instruments knowledge
Possess information on the types of optical instruments and lenses, such as microscopes and telescopes, as well as on their mechanics, components, and characteristics.
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OptionalApply Teaching Strategies skill
Employ various approaches, learning styles, and channels to instruct students, such as communicating content in terms they can understand, organising talking points for clarity, and repeating arguments when necessary. Use …
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OptionalArchive Scientific Documentation skill
Store documents such as protocols, analysis results and scientific data using archiving systems to enable scientists and engineers to take methods and results from previous studies into account for their …
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OptionalDesign Scientific Equipment skill
Design new equipment or adapt existing equipment to aid scientists in gathering and analysing data and samples.
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OptionalDevelop Scientific Theories skill
Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.
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OptionalPerform Lectures skill
Present lectures to various groups.
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OptionalWrite Research Proposals skill
Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant …
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OptionalWrite Scientific Papers skill
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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OptionalAnalyse Telescope Images skill
Examine images taken by telescopes in order to study phenomena and objects outside Earth's atmosphere.
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OptionalDefine Celestial Bodies skill
Analyse data and images to calculate the size, shape, brightness, and motion of celestial bodies.
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OptionalOperate Telescopes skill
Set up and adjust telescopes in order to look at phenomena and objects outside Earth's atmosphere.
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OptionalTeach Astronomy skill
Instruct students in the theory and practice of astronomy, and more specifically in topics such as celestial bodies, gravity, and solar storms.
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