HUB-ASTRONOMY

What is an Astronomer?

An Astronomer is a Scientist who studies Celestial objects such as Stars, Planets, Galaxies, Black Holes, Dark Matter, Dark Energy, String Theory, M-Theory, etc. Astronomers work in various settings, including universities, research institutions, observatories and government agencies. They may work individually or as part of a team on their projects. In addition to conducting research, Astronomers also play an important role in educating the public about Astronomy and the universe. They may give lectures, write articles, or participate in public outreach events to share their knowledge and passion for Astronomy with others.

There are currently eight (8) types of Astronomers (Specializations and Duties):

Astronomy is a fascinating field that explores the vast expanse of the Universe and beyond. Astronomy has many specializations, each with its own unique focus and set of primary duties. From Planetary Astronomers who research and analyze planets in our Solar System to Cosmologists who study the origins and evolution of the Universe, each type of Astronomer plays an essential role in advancing our understanding of the Cosmos.

1. Planetary Astronomer

Planetary Astronomers research and analyze planets, their atmospheres and other Celestial objects within our Solar System. They work to understand the formation, evolution and characteristics of these Celestial Bodies by using data gathered from telescopes and spacecraft. They also examine the potential for habitability and the possibility of life on other planets. Planetary Astronomers may also work on developing and designing spacecraft and instruments used for exploration.

2. Galactic Astronomer

Galactic Astronomers study the structure, composition and dynamics of Galaxies and their components, including Stars, Gas, Dark Matter, Dark Energy, etc. They also investigate the formation and evolution of Galaxies over time. Galactic Astronomers use telescopes and other observational tools to accumulate data and analyze it to answer fundamental questions about the Universe. Additionally, they work on theoretical models and simulations to better understand the behavior of Galaxies and the larger Universe.

3. Cosmologist

Cosmologists survey the Universe's origins, evolution and structure as a whole. They use observations of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation, the distribution of Galaxies and other phenomena to create and critique theories about the nature of the Universe. They also work to understand the fundamental forces and particles that govern the Universe's behavior, like Dark Matter and Dark Energy.

4. Solar Astronomer

Solar Astronomers look at the sun, its behavior and its effects on the Earth and other planets. They use telescopes and other instruments to observe the Sun and analyze its features, such as Sunspots, Solar Flares and Coronal Mass Ejections (CME). Solar Astronomers also investigate the Sun's physics, such as its magnetic fields and how they affect the behavior of the Sun's plasma.

5. Optical Astronomer

Optical Astronomers survey Celestial objects using visible light and other wavelengths of light that the human eye can detect. They use telescopes and other instruments to gather data points and analyze them to better understand the properties of Stars, Galaxies, and other Celestial objects. Optical Astronomers work to understand the physical properties of the Universe and attempt to understand the behavior of magnetic fields, the distribution of Dark Matter and the formation of Stars and Galaxies.

6. Exoplanet Astronomer

Exoplanet Astronomers research and analyze planets outside of our Solar System. They use various techniques to detect and watch Exoplanets, such as the transit and radial velocity methods. Exoplanet Astronomers work to understand the properties of these planets, like their size, mass and composition. They also investigate the potential for habitability and the possibility of life on Exoplanets. Exoplanet Astronomers may also work on developing new techniques for detecting and characterizing Exoplanets.

7. Radio Astronomer

Radio Astronomers examine Celestial objects using radio waves. They use Radio Telescopes and other instruments to seek specific information from the sky and analyze it to understand the properties of Space better. Radio Astronomers investigate the physics of the Universe, such as the behavior of magnetic fields, the distribution of Dark Matter and the formation of Stars and Galaxies. Another possible focus of this role is to advance techniques for studying the Universe using radio waves.

8. Astrophysicist

Astrophysicists observe the physical properties and behavior of Celestial objects, including Stars, Galaxies, Black Holes, etc. They use various techniques to analyze the data gathered from telescopes and other instruments to improve models and theories about the Universe. Astrophysicists work to understand the fundamental laws of physics that govern the behavior of these objects and the Universe as a whole.

Branches of Astronomy:

Astrophysics – How the laws of Physics apply to Stars and Celestial Bodies. (Link to Website)

Cosmology – How the Universe was created, evolved, and its ultimate fate.

Spectroscopy – How light reflects, absorbs, and transfers between matter.

Photometry – How luminous astronomical objects are in space based on electromagnetic radiation.

Heliophysics – How the sun’s constant and dynamic radiation affects its surroundings in space.

Helioseismology – How the interior structure and dynamics of stars are composed by observing waves from their surface.

Asteroseismology – How to study the internal structure of stars by observing their oscillations.

Astrometry - Mapping Celestial Bodies.

Planetology – How planets form in the solar systems including their composition and dynamics in history.

Exoplanetology - How many and where planets exist outside of our Solar System.

Astrogeology - How geology relates to Celestial Bodies like Moons, Asteroids, Meteorites and Comets.

Areology - How Geology is composed on Mars.

Selenography - How physical features on the Moon formed such as Lunar Maria, craters, and mountain ranges.

Exogeology - How Geology relates to Celestial Bodies like Moons, Asteroids, Meteorites, and Comets.

Astrobiology - How life (including Extraterrestrials) in the Universe evolved, originated, and what will be its fate.

Exobiology - How likely and where is life in Space.

Astrochemistry - How to study substances in Celestial Bodies, Stars, and Interstellar Space.

Radio Astronomy - Radio Astronomers examine Celestial objects using Radio Waves.

Stellar Astronomy - Deals with studying the characteristics and life span of Stars and what happens when they die.