Astronomer

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Requirements

96% Match

Career Spectrum

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Overview

Description
Astronomers use ground-based equipment, such as radio and optical telescopes, and
space-based equipment, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, to make observations and
collect data on the motions, compositions, and other properties of celestial objects. Some
astronomers focus their research on objects in our own solar system, such as the sun or
planets, some study distant stars, galaxies, and phenomena such as neutron stars and
black holes, and some monitor space debris that could interfere with satellite operations.
Sample Job Titles: Astronomy Professor, Astrophysicist, Researcher

Provincial Outlook

Estimated Salary

$74,494 - $156,438
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Education Level
Secondary School
On-the-job Training
College/Apprenticeship

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Compatibility

96%
Match

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Workplace

Work Environment
The Canadian Space Agency is one of the largest employers of astronomers in the federal
government. The scientific research-and-development industry includes both private and
federally funded national laboratories.
Astronomer's research is usually done in small- or medium-sized laboratories. However,
experiments in some areas of physics, such as nuclear and high-energy physics, may
require extremely large and expensive equipment, such as particle accelerators and
nuclear reactors. Although physics research may require extensive experimentation in
laboratories, astronomers still spend much of their time in offices to plan, analyze,
fundraise, and report on research.
Most astronomers work in offices, and may visit observatories a few times a year. An
observatory is a building that houses ground-based telescopes used to gather data and
make observations. Some astronomers may work full time in observatories.

Increasingly, observations are done remotely via the Internet without the need for travel to
an observatory. Observational astronomers rarely look through a telescope with their eyes,
but rather use computers and sophisticated telescopes that can detect radiation other than
visible light, such as gamma rays or radio waves. Rather than making direct observations,
theoretical astronomers typically use the data from observational astronomers to develop
their theories.
Some astronomers temporarily work away from home at national or international facilities
that have unique equipment, such as particle accelerators and gamma ray telescopes. They
also frequently travel to meetings to present research results, discuss ideas with
colleagues, and learn more about new developments in their field.

Main Duties

Review scientific proposals and research papers.

Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
Raise funds for scientific research.
Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific
journals.
Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of
other astronomers.
Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne
telescopes and scientific instruments.
Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.
Serve on professional panels and committees.
Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.

Important Skills

Analytical skills. Astronomers need to be able to think logically to carry out scientific
experiments and studies. They must be precise and accurate in their analysis because
errors could invalidate their research. They must also be able to find and use funding
effectively.
Communication skills. Astronomers present their research at scientific conferences, to
the public, or to government and business leaders. They write technical reports that
may be published in scientific journals, and they also write proposals for research
funding.
Critical-thinking skills. Astronomers must carefully evaluate their own work and the
work of others. They must determine whether results and conclusions are based on
sound science.
Curiosity. Astronomers work in fields that are always on the cutting edge of
technology. They must be very keen to continuously learn for their career. In-depth
knowledge must be gained on a wide range of technical subjects, from computer
programming to particle colliders.
Interpersonal skills. Astronomers must collaborate extensively with othersin both
academic and industrial research contexts. They need to be able to work well with
others toward a common goal. Interpersonal skills should also help researchers
secure funding for their projects.
Math skills. Astronomers perform complex calculations involving calculus, geometry,
algebra, and other areas of mathematics. They must be able to express their research
in mathematical terms.
Problem-solving skills. Astronomers use scientific observation and analysis to solve
complex scientific questions. Creative thinking may be needed to solve these complex
scientific problems.
Self-discipline. Astronomers spend a lot of time working alone and need to be able to
stay motivated as well as accurate in their work.

Career Cluster

This cluster includes everything from working as an engineer

in aerospace, hazardous waste to telecommunications on
the technology and engineering side. Under science and
mathematics occupations include everything from being a

Science, Technology,

chemist, to an anthropologist, nutritionist to cartographer.

Engineering and

Specific tasks can include providing scientific research and

Mathematics

professional and technical services, laboratory and testing

services, and research and development services.

Outlook

Job Outlook

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba

Not Available

New Brunswick

Not Available

Newfoundland and Labrador

Not Available

Nova Scotia

Not Available

Northwest Territories

Not Available

Nunavut

Not Available

Ontario

Not Available

Prince Edward Island

Not Available

Quebec

Not Available

Saskatchewan

Not Available

Yukon

Not Available

Job Outlook based on NOC 2111 (Physicists and astronomers)

View Regional Data

Salary Ranges

Canada

$24,080 - $141,247

Alberta

$74,494 - $156,438

British Columbia

$33,992 - $155,896

Manitoba

Not Available

New Brunswick

Not Available

Newfoundland and Labrador

Not Available

Nova Scotia

Not Available

Northwest Territories

Not Available

Nunavut

Not Available

Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec

$53,628 - $125,389
Not Available
$50,602 - $143,647

Saskatchewan

Not Available

Yukon

Not Available

Salary Ranges are based on hourly rates for NOC 2111 (Physicists and astronomers) and an estimated 2086 hours per year

View Regional Data

Employment Growth

2012

29,658

2013

29,591

2014

30,214

2015

30,695

2016

31,104

2017

31,468

2018

31,829

2019

32,191

2020

32,442

2021

32,602

2022

32,747

Employment Growth based on Stats Canada Occupation Group 211

Requirements

Education Level

Secondary School

On-the-job Training

College/Apprenticeship

University

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in astronomy or related discipline is required.

Astronomers usually require a master's or doctoral degree in astronomy or in a
related discipline.

Subject Areas

Computers

Mathematics

Related Programs

Science

Physics (Optional Co-op)

Physique

Brock University

University of Ottawa

Mathematics and
Physics (Arts)
University of Alberta,
Augustana Campus

Career Spectrum

Interests

Your Interest Type is

This occupation is a

THE FUTURIST (IA)

GOOD MATCH

Match Results

Your Results

Occupation Results

Investigative

Artistic
85%

83%

100%

67%

Realistic

Enterprising
71%

69%

61%

11%

Social

Conventional
67%

50%

28%

28%

Knowledge

Your top subject area is

This occupation is a

COMPUTERS

SLIGHT MATCH

Match Results

Your Results

Computers

Occupation Results

Creative Arts
100%

94%

74%

26%

Science

Physical Education
72%

72%

40%

40%

Business

Social Science
72%

72%

19%

17%

English

Languages
72%

56%

12%

14%

Mathematics

Technical & Trades

44%

44%

60%

24%

Motivations

Your top motivation factor is

This occupation is a

INDEPENDENCE

GOOD MATCH

Match Results

Your Results

Independence

Occupation Results

Working Conditions
97%

81%

78%

75%

Achievement

Recognition
53%

50%

83%

78%

Support

Relationships
44%

25%

22%

22%

Compatibility
Review scientific proposals and research papers.
Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
Raise funds for scientific research.
Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for
scientific journals.
Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.

Definitely
Somewhat
Definitely
Somewhat

Definitely

Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and

theories of other astronomers.

Definitely

Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne

telescopes and scientific instruments.

Definitely

Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and

analysis.

Definitely

Serve on professional panels and committees.

Definitely

Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial

sources.

Definitely

Resources

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