Astronomy

 

 

The Associate of Science Degree in Astronomy at Walters State Community College is intended to fulfill the freshman and sophomore requirements of a bachelor’s degree in Astronomy.  The curriculum in the WSCC catalog is not designed for transfer to any specific school.  Students will need to talk with a faculty advisor about a particular college or university’s courses and transfer.  The link for the Natural Science Division at Walters State is: http://www.ws.edu/science/default.asp

 

 

Career and Major Information

 

Astronomy is sometimes considered a subfield of physics. Astronomers use the principles of physics and mathematics to learn about the fundamental nature of the universe, including the sun, moon, planets, stars, and galaxies. They also apply their knowledge to solve problems in navigation, space flight, and satellite communications, and to develop the instrumentation and techniques used to observe and collect astronomical data.

 

Almost all astronomers do research. Some are theoreticians, working on the laws governing the structure and evolution of astronomical objects. Others analyze large quantities of data gathered by observatories and satellites, and write scientific papers or reports on their findings. Some astronomers actually operate large space- or ground-based telescopes, usually as part of a team. However, astronomers may spend only a few weeks each year making observations with optical telescopes, radio telescopes, and other instruments. For many years, satellites and other space-based instruments, such as the Hubble space telescope, have provided tremendous amounts of astronomical data. New technology resulting in improvements in analytical techniques and instruments, such as computers and optical telescopes and mounts, is leading to a resurgence in ground-based research. A small number of astronomers work in museums housing planetariums. These astronomers develop and revise programs presented to the public, and may direct planetarium operations.

 

 

Related Career Titles

 

Engineers

Chemists

Materials Scientists

Atmospheric Scientists

Geoscientists

Environmental Scientists

Mathematicians

 

 

Web Sites

 

Physics, Astronomy and Science News:  Internet: www.physlink.com

Department of Astronomy Yale University:  Internet: www.astro.yale.edu

Occupational Outlook Handbook:  Internet: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos052.htm

 

Salary Information

Median annual earnings of astronomers were $81,690 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $53,390 and $106,230; the lowest 10 percent, less than $40,140, and the highest 10 percent more than $126,320.  Local or regional salaries may be lower.

 

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 Edition, Physicists and Astronomers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos052.htm