Sky-high demand for ASTRONOMERS

There's no dearth of employment opportunities for qualified astronomers in government organisations, research institutes, 40 planetaria across the country, observatories, museums, colleges and universities

- Indra Gidwani

For those interested in unravelling the mysteries of the universe, career options in the science of astronomy are aplenty, with demand for astronomers far outstripping supply. In liberalised and deregulated India, the study of astronomy could prove highly rewarding, both intellectually and monetarily.

The word astronomy literally translates into ‘law of the stars’. Astronomy is the science of celestial objects (stars, planets, comets, and galaxies), phenomena that originate in the Earth’s atmosphere (such as auroras) and cosmic microwave background radiation. Broadly, it is concerned with evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology and motion of celestial objects, as well as the formation and development of the universe. A career as an astronomer primarily entails research and teaching.

The academic training required to qualify as an astronomer requires a sound grounding in basic sciences, particularly physics and mathematics. In higher education, the study of electronics —analogue and digital — is necessary. This academic background is crucial to enable researchers to make observations using existing telescopes and instruments, and also innovate and develop state-ofthe-art astronomy equipment.

STUDY PROGRAMMES.

Ideally, aspiring astronomers should enroll for a B.Sc in physics or maths after Plus Two. For careers in instrumentational/ experimental astronomy, a bachelor’s degree in electrical or electronic engineering would be the best preparatory qualification.