Occupation AtlasAstronomers
O*NET · 19-2011.00
Astronomers
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
Also called Astronomer · Astronomy Outreach Coordinator · Astrophysicist · Cosmologist · Extragalactic Astronomer · Galactic Astronomer · High-Energy Astrophysicist · Institute Scientist
15 more
Optical Astronomer · Planetary Astronomer · Postdoc Associate · Postdoc Research Associate · Postdoc Scholar · Postdoc Scientist · Postdoc Scientist (Postdoctoral Scientist) · Postdoctoral Associate (Postdoc Associate) · Postdoctoral Research Associate (Postdoc Research Associate) · Postdoctoral Scholar (Postdoc Scholar) · Radio Astronomer · Research Astrophysicist · Solar Astronomer · Stellar Astronomer · Theoretical Astronomer
Compare with another occupationCompare with Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
IRCInvestigative · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative7.00
- R Realistic5.07
- C Conventional4.04
- A Artistic3.28
- S Social2.71
- E Enterprising1.87
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (44%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (57%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (30%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Read a scientific journal article describing surgical procedures
- SciencebasicImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Analyze aerodynamic systems to determine the practicality of a design
- MathematicsbasicImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
- WritingbasicImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active LearningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
Show the other 23
- CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- InstructingImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- PersuasionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Service OrientationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Time ManagementImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
- NegotiationImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- ProgrammingImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Technology DesignImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- RepairingImportance 1.1Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
16 core · 1 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.Importance 4.7
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.Importance 4.7
- Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.Importance 4.5
- Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.Importance 4.4
- Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.Importance 4.4
- Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena.Importance 4.2
- Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.Importance 4.1
- Teach astronomy or astrophysics.Importance 4.1
- Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.Importance 4.0
- Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.Importance 4.0
- Raise funds for scientific research.Importance 3.8
- Review scientific proposals and research papers.Importance 3.8
Show the other 5
- Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation.Importance 3.5
- Calculate orbits and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies.Importance 3.3
- Serve on professional panels and committees.Importance 3.3
- Conduct question-and-answer presentations on astronomy topics with public audiences.Importance 3.2
- Direct the operations of a planetarium.Importance 2.6
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- PhysicsImportance 5.0Level 6.6Level 7 looks like: Design a cleaner burning gasoline engine
- MathematicsImportance 4.9Level 6.4Level 7 looks like: Derive a complex mathematical equation
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 4.2Level 5.7
- English LanguageImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.4Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
- ChemistryImportance 3.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
Show all 33
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.4Level 2.7
- DesignImportance 2.4Level 2.7
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.2Level 2.7
- AdministrativeImportance 2.1Level 2.6
- GeographyImportance 2.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- MechanicalImportance 1.9Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- BiologyImportance 1.8Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.8Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 1.7Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- PsychologyImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- TransportationImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.4Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.4Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Understand a lecture on advanced physics
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Number FacilityImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 5 looks like: Compute the interest payment that should be generated from an investment
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- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Information OrderingImportance 3.9Level 4.3
- Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Far VisionImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.8Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- OriginalityImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
- MemorizationImportance 2.9Level 2.6
- VisualizationImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Night VisionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.3Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.3Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.9Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Analyze the cost of medical care services for all hospitals in the country
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Getting InformationImportance 4.8Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Study international tax laws
- Processing InformationImportance 4.7Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Compile data for a complex scientific report
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.6Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Learn information related to a complex and rapidly changing technology
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.4Level 5.7
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.2Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.2Level 5.9
Show all 41
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 4.0Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.8Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.6Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.5Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.9
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.4Level 2.8
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.7
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.3Level 2.6
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.6
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.9Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
38 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (4)
- Chot
- C++hot
- Pythonhot
- The MathWorks MATLABhot
Hot (11; 4 more marked hot above)
- Apache Hadoop
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Linux
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Java
- R
- SAS
- Structured query language SQL
Other tools (23)
- Abstraction plus reference plus synthesis A++
- Adaptive optics AO simulation software
- Analyze
- Astronomical Image Processing for Windows AIP4WIN
- Astronomical Image Processing System AIPS
- Astronomical information processing system AIPS++
- Avis Fits Viewer
- Data reduction software
- Diffraction Limited MaxIm DL
- European Southern Observatory Munich Image Data Analysis System ESO-MIDAS
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- Fortran
- Interface definition language IDL
- IRIS
- MSB Software Astroart
- Multipurpose Interactive Image Processing System MIIPS
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- Software Bisque CCDSoft
- Software development tools
- Spectroscopy databases
- Starcal
- Visual Numerics PV-WAVE
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources −0.7, Operation and Control −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing +0.9, Mathematics −0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Average difference 0.2 points · Learning Strategies −0.7, Active Learning −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Biologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −0.8, Programming +0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing +1.1, Science −0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Bioinformatics Scientists
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources −0.9, Learning Strategies −0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Microbiologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis +1.1, Mathematics −1.0
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.3 points · Instructing +1.3, Repairing +1.2
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.