Astronomer

an astronomer is (as a rule academically formed) a person, who concerns itself scientifically with the astronomy.

one limits principal activity

of the astronomersthe term astronomer on that Wissenschafter, which dedicate themselves full-time to the astronomy, then are usually two of the following activities the subject of the occupation:

• scientific research in the area astronomy, in particular in astrophysics, astrometry, cosmology or inRange of the planet system and/or space travel, both in the beobachterischen and within the theoretical range.
• Training activity at a university as a university professor or - assistant.
• Development of measuring instruments or computer programs.
• Line and/or administration of institutions for F/E (research andDevelopment) and/or of large projects - approximately with the ESA or NASA.

The occupation of the specialized astronomer presupposes a diploma of physics or astronomy in the rule a university study of the astronomy and/or related natural sciences , about (only in Austria), sometimes also from mathematics, geodesy, Aeronautik and other one. Writing a thesis in most cases follows, the final graduation is often considered as condition for attitude.

changed career profile

the career profile of the astronomer has itselfin the last decades strongly changed. In the past astronomers observed the sky predominantly by means of optical telescopes at observatories. Today most on very much specialized questions work and rate electromagnetic signals in all wavelength coverages out of the short-wave Gamma radiation up to the longest Radiowellen.

Therefore astronomers do not sit today any longer “behind the telescope”, but only a comparison-wise short part their time in the control rooms of the telescopes. The data won there become in the remaining time at home to Desk evaluated and prepares. Ever more gains “service in such a way specified mode observing” significance, with which only an observation goal and - kind are specified, the observations at the telescopes and/or satellites independently or is even automated accomplished.

specializedand amateur astronomers

many students of the subject in other areas work later there, depend it on their self understanding whether they call themselves also further as a “astronomer”. To what extent scientifically active amateur astronomers are to be called as astronomers in the actual sense, is likewiseopenly. Particularly in earlier centuries a separation between specialized technical and amateur is often artificially, as for instance the example of William Olbers shows.

Since astronomy is still a science, also the research groups small within the professional range from particulars and, has also amateurs with appropriate gift and equipment the possibility of the co-operation is coined/shaped. Amateurs are often successful, where a continuous observation is necessary, but because of the costs by large telescopes professionally hardly feasiblly is, for instance the Asteroiden - and Comet monitoring or in the area of variable stars and astrometry.

see also:

Would list well-known astronomers, physicist, mathematician, technician, university teacher, history of the astronomy