Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Getting the right training
• Part 2 of 3: Gaining skills and experience
• Part 3 of 3: Getting a job as an astronomer

Astronomy is the study of the stars, planets and galaxies that make up our universe. It can be a challenging and rewarding career that may lead to amazing discoveries about the way the Universe works. If you have a passion for the night sky, you can translate that into a career as an astronomer by getting good grades in physics and math. This will help you develop the skills and experience necessary to obtain a good professional position as an astronomer at an observatory, or even a space agency such as NASA.

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Part 1 of 3: Getting the right training

1. Get good grades for high school physics, math, and chemistry. Take regular and advanced lessons in these subjects. Work hard and make sure you get high marks for these courses, because that will give you a good basis for studying astronomy.
   • If you are struggling to do well in these subjects, you can hire a tutor to help you get better grades. You can also join a study group to help you perform better in these subjects.
2. Get a bachelor's degree in natural sciences, with a focus on astronomy or physics. Follow a four-year course in natural science, majoring in astronomy or physics. This degree will teach you key skills and prepare you for a career as an astronomer.
   • Some universities will offer a specialization in astrophysics, which is a mix of astronomy and physics.
   • Speak to a scientific study advisor for advice on the universities where you can best apply. You can register at a university or college nearby. You can also get your degree from a university in another province or city.
   • Choose a university that offers a good bachelor's degree in natural sciences and good financial support.
3. Get your master's degree in natural sciences. Most astronomers earn a master's degree in natural sciences after their bachelor's degree. This training will often take at least two years to complete. Earning a master's degree gives you the opportunity to pursue specialized studies in astronomy, physics and mathematics. You will also have the opportunity to conduct research in this area.
   • As part of your master's degree, you will also write a master's thesis exploring a specific topic or idea in astronomy.
4. Get a PhD in a specific field of astronomy. A PhD gives you the opportunity to study a specific area of ​​astronomy, such as radio, solar, cosmological or galactic astronomy. You must take classes that cover a specific area of ​​astronomy. This direction can take four to five years to complete.
   • There are many different areas of astronomy that you can study at a doctoral level. Take the time to find out what interests you, such as planets and moons, the cosmos or the galaxies.
   • As part of your PhD, you will usually have the opportunity to do an internship and conduct research in your field. This is a great way to gain work experience in the field.
5. Complete your dissertation and take the qualifying exams. To earn your PhD, you must make a dissertation proposal. Your dissertation should provide an in-depth study of a particular topic in the field of astronomy. You must then write the thesis, which can vary from 80 to 100 pages. You must also take exams to graduate with a PhD.
   • The exams will vary depending on the program you are taking. You usually have to write a paper and give an oral presentation to pass the exams.
   • Examples of possible dissertation topics include exploring star formations, examining high-mass planets, and analyzing pulsars.

Part 2 of 3: Gaining skills and experience

1. Study the universe with a telescope. Buy a telescope with a wide aperture and a wide range of magnification so that you can see the stars, the moon and the galaxies in the universe. Study the universe regularly with the telescope so that you become familiar with the many celestial objects in the sky.
   • Buy a telescope that fits your budget and needs. Telescopes can be expensive, so you may have to save to buy the type you want.
2. Join an astronomy club or association. Learn about astronomy by joining an astronomy club at your school or an astronomy association in your area. This will allow you to meet others interested in astronomy and focus more on your goal of becoming an astronomer.
   • Ask your school counselor for more information about the astronomy club at your school.
   • Look for online astronomy clubs where you can chat with others about astronomy online.
   • If you can't find a local astronomy club, start your own club with friends or colleagues.
3. Learn how to use science software programs. Take a course on chemistry, physics, or math software so you can use it conveniently. You can also download science software on your home computer and teach yourself how to use it.
   • For example, you can learn how to use physics software such as AIDA, Orbit-Vis or the regional atmospheric modeling system Mars.
4. Learn to work in a team. Participate in class discussions at school or create a study group where you meet and work on assignments as a team. You can even join a sports team or be part of a dance group after school. You have to be able to function well in a team to be an astronomer, because astronomers often work with colleagues and other natural scientists on projects in the field.
5. Improve your writing and speaking skills. Astronomers do more than just stare at the sky all day long. They also communicate their ideas and discoveries with their colleagues and the general public. You should write about your studies and you should also enjoy talking to the public about it. Make sure you become good at English and communication.
   • You can also take a public speaking course so that you feel more comfortable speaking with strangers or large groups of people.

Part 3 of 3: Getting a job as an astronomer

1. Seek a postgraduate scholarship to be a competitive candidate. If you have obtained your PhD in Astronomy, you may be considered for a research position at a university. These positions allow you to gain work experience and focus on your field in astronomy. You can also try to convert your research position into a full-time job.
   • You may have to relocate based on the region of a research position. You have to be flexible and adaptable, willing to relocate if needed.
   • This is a good option if you want to work in academia and become a professor of astronomy.
2. Look for a teaching position at a university. Become a professor of astronomy at bachelor's or master's level. Look for open positions at a university in the area or elsewhere in the Netherlands and abroad. You need at least a master's degree or a doctorate in astronomy to teach.
3. Apply for open positions at an observatory. Another possibility is to apply for an observatory as a permanent astronomer. Working at an observatory allows for interaction with the public. You can also curate astronomy exhibits and write books on specific areas of astronomy as part of your work.
   • Look for observatories in your area. You can also look for observatories in places you may want to live.
4. Look for positions in aerospace or computer science. Some people who study to become an astronomer work in these areas, especially if they don't want to work in academia. These features can also be ideal if you prefer to work directly on projects with other astronomers and scientists.
   • Make sure to emphasize your education, work experience and specific field when applying for these positions. You can also indicate how you, as an employee, could contribute to the aerospace or computer science industry.
5. Apply for positions with a space agency. Working for a space agency can be ideal if you want to collaborate with other astronomers and natural scientists on the study of the universe. The largest space agency in Europe is ESA and in the United States NASA. You can apply for positions at these organizations, where you focus on your specialty within astronomy.
   • Focus on your passion for astronomy as well as your grades and awards. You must also indicate how you as an astronomer think you can make a positive contribution to ESA or NASA.