Imagine a career that can enable you to get to witness the death of a star or birth of a galaxy, where you can observe changes in the night sky, the movements of planets and other objects in the skies above and beyond us. Astronomy is a field that studies the whole universe beyond the earth from the comets, asteroids, satellites, sun and its family of plants to hundreds and billions of other galaxies in the universe.

Now, the development in space sciences and astronomy has created new technologies and applications for mankind thereby making our lives safer, simpler and better. For those interested in unraveling the mysteries of universe, there are plenty of career options in the science of astronomy with great demand for astronomers far outstripping supply. In the newly deregulated and liberalized India, the study of astronomy can prove to be highly rewarding both monetarily and intellectually. A career in astronomy primarily entails teaching and research.

Educational qualification required for entering into the field of astronomy:

The educational qualification required to qualify as an astronomer needs a sound grounding in basic sciences, particularly in mathematics and physics. In higher education, study of electronics digital and analogue is essential. This is because the educational qualification can enable the researchers to make observations using existing instruments and telescopes and also develop and innovate state-of-the-art astronomy equipment. Therefore, candidates with aspiration to enter into the field of astronomy will have to take up B. Sc physics course or B. Sc mathematics course after their schooling. For career in experimental/instrumentation astronomy, an UG degree in Electrical & Electronics Engienering would be suitable. Many Indian universities offer PG Degrees in different fields of astronomy like astrochemistry, galactic astronomy, astrophysics, celestial mechanics, etc…

What are the job opportunities available in the field of astronomy?

Engineers:

While astronauts travelling to outer space gets utmost recognition, the whole mission of space becomes possible mainly because of the engineers, who work in different aspects of the mission, these include space stations, space vehicles, spacecrafts, etc… Engineers form a cardinal part in the launching and creating of satellites into the orbit. Engineers can find job opportunities in the following positions in the field of astronomy:

• Telecommunication Engineers

• Spacecraft engineers

• Robotics engineers

• Mechanical engineers

• Materials engineers

• Computer engineers

• Avionics & instrumentation engineers

• Aeronautical and aerospace engineers

Space Scientists:

Many scientists select to pursue research and development careers in space science. For instance, many pharmacology researchers are exploring ways for developing new medications from substances discovered during space exploration trips. Scientists in space science can specialize in different fields like:

• Physicists

• Meteorologists

• Medical doctors

• Geologists

• Chemists

• Biologists

• Astrophysicists

Telecommunication and Technicians:

Apart from engineers and sciences, specializing in launching and designing the missions, technologists and technicians are also equally important for achievement of astronomical missions. These individuals closely work with scientists and engineers for building, testing and perfecting in different missions and technologies. There are number of space career opportunities for skills technicians and technologists in the following job descriptions:

• Satellite Technicians

• Robotic technicians

• Radar technicians

• Quality assurance specialists

• Laser technicians

• Electricians

• Drafters

• Computer aided design operators

• Communication technicians

Government jobs in Astronomy:

When it comes to government jobs in the field of astronomy eligible candidates can find job opportunities in organizations like:

• Satish Dhawan Space Centre

• Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre

• Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre

• Antrix Corporation Limited

• Jharkhand Space Applications Center

• Indian Space Research Organization

• Space Applications Centre

Thus, astronomy is a field that can offer challenging job opportunities to aspiring professionals at a good pay scale in government sector.