Astronomy

Introduction:

Astronomy, the oldest and the most fascinating science, deals with all the celestial bodies and the material universe beyond the earth's atmosphere. It is the science of the Universe which includes the study of motion, nature, law, constitution, history and possible future developments of heavenly bodies like the sun, planets, stars, comets, meteors, galaxies, satellites etc. 

Astronomy, sometimes considered as a sub-field of Physics is further divided into several branches such as Astrophysics, Astrometeorology, Astrobiology, Astrogeology, Astrometry, Cosmology etc. All these branches together helps to unravel the mysteries of the universe. It is a promising and amazing career for those who are interested in the mysteries of the universe and has a desire to unravel them. Since each country is going in for nuclear testing, the need for scientists in the filed of Astronomy is increasing. 

Eligibility & Course Areas:

A doctoral degree is the usual educational requirement to become an astronomer, since most of the work tends to be related to research and development. 

Those who opt for this field, should pass their plus two examination under the science stream, specially in physics and math's. For pursuing a career in theoretical or observational astronomy one may go through the science stream after plus two. Since universities offering undergraduate programmed in Astronomy are rarely found, one can join for a major/ honours in Physics with Mathematics as a subsidiary subject. Thereafter, take a master's degree in Physics or Astronomy. After the successful completion of MSc, one can do specialization in astronomy leading to Ph. D. which enables one to become an astronomer/ astronaut/ astrophysicist or a scientist/ research officer etc. in the field of space research. 

For doing Ph.D, which is mandatory to do research, one should appear for the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) examination.

For pursuing a career in Instrumentation/ Experimental Astronomy, after plus two one can go for Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Electrical / Electronics/ Electrical Communications. An engineer with a B. Tech or BE degree could also enter the field as a research scholar.

Job Prospects & Career Options:

Working on research is the main profession of an astronomer and this may usually involve travelling; working long hours including day and night. The work of an astronomer involves analysis and interpretation of enormous data gathered by observatories and satellites and making scientific papers or report their findings. They make observations with ground-based telescopes or any other sources and apply their knowledge to solve problems in navigation, space flight, and satellite communications. 

A beginner in the field of astronomy may be inducted as a researcher into an existing team which would be already working on a project. Ph.D. holders begin their careers in a postdoctoral research position, in which they may work with experienced physicists as they continue to learn about their specialty and develop ideas and results to be used in later work. Initial work may be under the close supervision of senior scientists. Depending on their areas of specialization, astronomers are classified into various groups like observational astronomers, stellar astronomers, solar astronomers etc. 

Most jobs in the basic research and development usually require a doctoral degree. The Ph.D. holders ultimately teach at the college or university level. Master’s degree holders are qualified for many jobs in manufacturing and applied research and development. Some master’s degree programs prepare students for specific research skills that does not require a Ph.D. Bachelor degree holder in this field are often qualified as technicians, research assistants or other types of jobs. 

Remuneration:

The remuneration depends on the aspects of work, kind of organization and experience in the field. As a beginner in the research work, a junior can earn a monthly stipend of approximately Rs.10,000 per month.

Government bodies and research institutes employ astronomers who are paid high salaries with other perk and allowances.

Courses:

 » M.Sc. Astronomy
 » M.Sc. Astrophysics
 » M.Sc. Meteorology
 » Ph.D. Astronomy
 » Ph.D. Astronomy and Astrophysics
 » Ph.D. Astrophysics
 » Ph.D. Atmospheric Science and Astrophysics

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