What is Astronomer: Definition and 39 Discussions

An astronomer is a scientist in the field of astronomy who focuses their studies on a specific question or field outside the scope of Earth. They observe astronomical objects such as stars, 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 or evolution of stars, or the formation of galaxies. Related but distinct subjects like physical cosmology, which studies the Universe as a whole.

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  1. Astronuc

    Long-lost star catalogue of the astronomer Hipparchus

    https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/first-known-map-of-night-sky-found-hidden-in-medieval-parchment/ Hipparchus worked on the Greek island of Rhodes three centuries before, roughly between 190 and 120 BC, astronomer Claudius Ptolemy in Alexandria, Egypt compiled a star catalogue...
  2. Volatile_Miniworld

    Job Skills Astronomer to Med Physicist or Dosimetrist - UK or US

    Well, I have a bit of a complicated situation and I'd love some advice. I'm a US/UK citizen living and working in London, UK at the moment. My husband and I are currently looking at moving back to the US in 2-3 years. My background is in physics/astrophysics - B.S. Physics (Maths minor) from a...
  3. C

    What percent of the sky can an astronomer see at one time?

    Homework Statement The astronomer fell into the well. The well is circular, depth H = 15m, radius r = 1m. The astronomer has eyes at h = 1.75m. Observation is from the well axis, refraction is neglected. How many % of sky can an astronomer see at one time? How many % of sky can an astronomer...
  4. Sullivan Stockwell

    Physics Astronomer and Astrophysicist Employment

    Not sure if this is the right place, but I don’t know where else to post it. Astronomers and astrophysicists seem to be pretty similar these days. By first obtaining a degree in physics related to these careers, are these career paths almost interchangeable? (Considering that astronomers might...
  5. C

    Stargazing Looking for a beginner's telescope....

    Hi there, I love physics and I'd like to begin a bit of astronomy. I want to invest in a beginners telescope but I haven't a clue about what to buy. Some that I'm looking at are linked here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XQMLA7Q/?tag=pfamazon01-20...
  6. Greg Bernhardt

    Insights Interview with Astronomer Pamela Gay - Comments

    TheAdmin submitted a new PF Insights post Interview with Astronomer Pamela Gay Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  7. Gjmdp

    Physics Astronomer Salaries: How Much Do They Make?

    When watching astronomer salaries here in Physics forums, it makes clear that they don't get paid much, like 50k on average if you are a super star of Physics. Now, when I watch sites like http://www1.salary.com/Astronomer-Salaries.html and https://www.sokanu.com/careers/astronomer/salary/ it...
  8. Gjmdp

    Engineering Should I be an Aerospace engineer or an Astronomer?

    I have this conondrum since long ago, and it's really hurting me. I love both Aerospace engineering and Astronomy, and I know I can study both. The thing is I'll be an Aerospace engineer or an Astronomer. I know I can't be both. I really love Astronomy: Physics, Science, Mathematics; because I...
  9. Min Young Kim

    Programs Physics or Astronomy major for becoming an astronomer?

    I am a senior in high school, I am applying for universities right now. I have wanted to pursue astronomy for several years now, but I am wondering if I should major in astronomy or physics as an undergraduate. I've read online that physics major as undergraduate is an option to pursue a ph.D in...
  10. GW150914

    Why wouldn't astronomers use Mathematica?

    Mathematica is fully functional for daily astronomy data analyzing works, and it is much more convenient than python, so why can't them use Mathematica instead of python? It's like when you have warp drive you still travel through space using chemically powered traditional rockets, which is...
  11. C

    Do grades matter for PhD? How can I study better?

    Hello, I am an undergraduate at UNLV. Before, I was at a community college for a few years before I went to UNLV. I used to be art major for a few semester but I didn't like it very much so I changed it to general education as I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. Last year, I thought of becoming...
  12. DHF

    Day to day life of a professional astronomer

    Greetings, My wife and I are currently in the process of writing our next book, the main character of which will be an astronomer. So far my research has given me plenty of resources on astronomy itself but very little on the actual astronomer. I would love to get some insight on what the day...
  13. D

    Steps needed to become an Astronomer and/or Cosmologist?

    Hello friends! I have a dream to become a legitimate astronomer and cosmologist like Carl Sagan and Neil deGrasse Tyson. But I would appreciate the realistic steps in order to achieve this dream. Do I really need to become a teacher first or really need my PhD in Astronomy before I can really...
  14. Dei

    Questions About Becoming an Astrophysicist or Astronomer

    Hi, I am a recent high school graduate, and my whole life I have been interested in astronomy. I have always stared in marvel at the night skies and read various books about constellations, etc. When my parents bought a telescope, that only spiked my interest further! I have, also, gained an...
  15. T

    Tips for an aspiring astronomer?

    Hello, I'd like to ask a few questions related to career choices and the requirements to become an astronomer or astrophysicist. I'm an eighth grade student from Brazil and, since I was a child, I have always been fascinated with planets, stars, galaxies, the universe itself, and the...
  16. S

    Hiring astronomer for science fiction?

    I'd like to hire an astronomer to help me with a writing project (fiction). Do you guys have any tips on how I can go about doing this? The work should be somewhat simple (I would think at least), it involves crafting a fictional galaxy and a few star systems therein. Sorry if this is the...
  17. S

    Finding an Astronomer for Your Fictional Galaxy: Tips and Tricks

    I'd like to hire an astronomer to help me with a writing project (fiction). Do you guys have any tips on how I can go about doing this? The work should be somewhat simple (I would think at least), it involves crafting a fictional galaxy and a few star systems therein. Sorry if this is the...
  18. K

    What to study to be an astronomer

    Hello hope someone can help me to understand more about what I need to study at uni to become an astronomer. Is it maths and physics ? Or just maths and astronomy? And what's the difference between an astronomer and an astrophysicist ?help!
  19. A

    Engineering I want to become an astronomer but im studying computer engineering

    ok. I am going to learn computer engineering in university. i am pretty involved it and IT savvy for that matter. but i have had this ambition, ever since i was a kid, i wanted to be a astronomer. it still is my dream. every time i watch an documentary on space, i am deeply indulged and i...
  20. T

    Physics Career possibilities: Astrophysicist / Astronomer?

    Hello, I am in the 11th grade in my high school, which is in Lithuania. This year I had to choose specific levels for my subjects and I chose physics, mathematics, informatics and English as A level subjects (more lessons, more material, better teachers) and left lithuanian, economics, history...
  21. C

    Tips on Becoming an Amateur Astronomer

    Hi, I am kind of new to this forum and I am a sophmere in high school. So far my school has been interesting and I've recently been exposed to amateur astronomy. I've been at it for a year and half. In fact I've took it very seriously now. I kind of wanted it to be my career and I do have other...
  22. W

    Thinking of becoming an astronomer

    Hello all. My name is Stew. As the title says, I'm contemplating becoming an astronomer. I'm 23 and spent the last five years in the Navy. I'm out now and want to go to college. (I'm currently stuck in the field I had in the military because I have no other skill sets that will get me a job)...
  23. K

    How to become an astrophysicist or an astronomer ?

    Hello, guys.. i Need a little help here... My name is Kavin and I'm from Malaysia... See, i want to be an astrophysicist but i don't know how to be one. I know my first step would be to do diploma in physics. Since i can't do that in Malaysia ( because that course doesn't exist here ), i have...
  24. A

    Beginner astronomer - getting started

    Dear admin, please could you move this post to somewhere else if needed/not appropriate as this is my first post. Currently working in IT, always had a thing for astronomy when i was younger but recently interest in the subject agani buying many DVDs (universe history, bbc series, cosmos by...
  25. L

    What can a 5th grader do to become an astronomer and inventor?

    Hello, I'm a 5th grader from California, and I already know what I want to be, and I am not changing it. It's: To be an astronomer and Inventor. I am only a 5th grader, so I'm really thinking ahead, but I have the highest math scores in my class, (And science scores) And I even do math that my...
  26. planethunter

    Is Becoming an Astronomer Worth the Sacrifice?

    Hello all, I am 29 yrs old and will be starting a MSc degree in applied physics this Spring’11 semester. My goal is to then get into a phd program in astronomy and become an astronomer. It is what I have been passionate about since I was a kid, but it took me this long to finally go for it (I...
  27. diogenesNY

    Allan Sandage, Astronomer, Dies at 84; Charted Cosmos’s Age and Expansion

    NYTimes.com, By DENNIS OVERBYE Published: November 17, 2010 "Allan Sandage, Astronomer, Dies at 84; Charted Cosmos’s Age and Expansion: Allan R. Sandage, who spent his life measuring the universe, becoming the most influential astronomer of his generation, died Saturday at his home in...
  28. B

    What classes do I need to become an astronomer?

    Hey, I am in grade 11 and I would like to become an astronomer. I just need a little guidance. What classes do I need in high school? I have chemistry 11 and 12 and have good marks in both of them. I am taking both gr. 11 and 12 physics in my grade 12 year. I live in New Brunswick, Canada and I...
  29. F

    What career options are available for astronomers with a doctorate degree?

    Just wondering. What would it be like if you obtained a doctorate in astronomy. What would be your option for the future? Remain in school as teaching staff? Find a position in a research institute? Get a job in an observatory? Or something else? Can anyone please tell me a little (or a lot)...
  30. K

    What Career Opportunities are Available with an Astronomy Degree?

    Since I was a little kid I've always found the outer space to be fascinating. I'm currently studying to become a Maritime chief engineer. It includes a lot of calculating electrical circuits, mathematics and physics (We call them level C, B and A - A being highest) at college level, and some...
  31. S

    Can I (amateur astronomer) detect extrasolar planets?

    So... Can I (amateur astronomer) detect extrasolar planets? I've seen some videos on how they are detected (by measuring radial velocity (I love this word:biggrin:) of that planet). But they said nothing about the instruments used in detecting these things. Can they be bought/made? I'm guessing...
  32. S

    Can a 20-Year-Old High School Dropout Become an Astronomer?

    Hi, I have a definite interest in mathematics and physics...it has long been a dream of mine to become an astronomer instead of an astronaut. But I wonder if it's too late for me to do that. First you should probably have a little background information. I'm a 20-year-old high school...
  33. A

    Exploring the Stars: Becoming an Astronomer and Astronaut | Prospects and Paths

    Dear sir, Since childhood, the heavens above have enthralled me and I always wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to see what is beyond the Earth with my own eyes and not on TV or net. I want to be an astronomer and also want to be a astronaut. I am presently in BTech first year and am...
  34. J

    About to become an armchair astronomer

    Hi all, This is probably extremely old news, but I just wanted to let ya'll know about this web-based astronomy site, Slooh.com. The site is a remote viewer of some observatory in the Canary Islands. Anyway, you can tune in generally every night and check out different cosmic objects...
  35. R

    Seeking Advice: How to Become an Astronomer or Mathematician

    Hey So...I think I'll ask you guys how am I going to be an astronomer or a mathematician? Any answer is greatly appreciated.:biggrin:
  36. C

    Programming for Physicist or a Astronomer

    Hello I got a few questions... To be a Physicist or a Astronomer, do you need to know how to program at all? I thought you needed to know a little of program..my friend who has a different thought on this, like why don't they hire their own programmers and do it themselves...after-all...
  37. chroot

    Amateur astronomer finds new nebula

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3479615.stm Wicked cool! I'm always very proud to hear of amateurs making serious scientific contributions! - Warren
  38. Ivan Seeking

    Tokyo earthquake predicted by astronomer?

    I am posting this only to bring to your attention what is likely a coincidence, but possibly interesting. https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6004
  39. Ivan Seeking

    Astronomer Predicts Major Earthquake for Japan

    This will either debunk itself in a week, or we move this prediction to another forum. http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/quake_prediction_030915.html Edit: A summary of this thread: A quake with a magnitude >= 7.0 was predicted for Tokyo for Tuesday or Wednesday. In fact...
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