Occupation
Astronomer
Astronomers study objects and processes beyond Earth using telescope observations, archival survey data, and simulations. In practice the work is dominated by writing code, handling very large datasets, and applying for observing time or funding. Instrument and software development is a substantial part of many posts.
Also known as: Astrophysicist · Planetary scientist · Observational astronomer
Occupation content
Part of Natural sciences and research
What the work involves
- Write proposals for observing time or access to survey and archive data
- Reduce and calibrate raw observational data to remove instrument effects
- Run simulations and compare their output against observations
- Develop analysis pipelines and maintain the code other researchers rely on
- Publish results, review other researchers' submissions, and present at seminars
- Contribute to instrument commissioning, testing, or observatory operations
How people commonly enter
- A degree in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics as the standard foundation
- A research postgraduate qualification, which is effectively the norm for research posts
- Data-heavy or software-focused roles entered from computing or mathematics backgrounds
- Observatory, instrumentation, or public-outreach support roles as an alternative entry
Typical training: Postgraduate or professional degree
Licensing: Not typically licensed
Typical work context
Desk based · Quiet focus · Works independently · Team based · Remote capable
Related interests
Investigative (analytical) · Realistic (hands-on)
Related aptitude preparation
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Skills to practise
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Natural sciences and research.
Official sources
Labour-market facts such as pay and employment projections are not reproduced here. Open an official source below for figures, with its own geography and reference period.
- O*NET OnLine — occupation search: astronomer · International
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- US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physicists and astronomers · United States
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- UK National Careers Service — Astronomer · United Kingdom
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Natural sciences and research in Canada, not a figure for Astronomer. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
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Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Natural sciences and research: education pathways
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Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Natural sciences and research: licensing
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