Astronomer (Astronoom)

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An astronomer is a scientist who examines and studies celestial bodies for his work. An astronomer is therefore specialized in astronomy. Astronomy is the science that deals with the observation and study of all phenomena outside the Earth's atmosphere. As an astronomer, you use telescopes, astrophotography and radio astronomy. Because astronomers cannot study celestial bodies directly, astronomers use complicated machines and equipment to make findings. Astronomy is actually one of the first sciences practiced by man. Many old descriptions have been found from which it has become clear that man has been involved in astronomy for a long time. It is a misunderstanding to think that astronomers only conduct research on stars, because astronomers also conduct research on planets. Although an astronomer is a scientist, there are also many other people active in the field of astronomy, such as amateur astronomers, who can also make findings. The findings that astronomers or amateur astronomers make in astronomy are also called observations. Observing astronomical objects can take place in different ways, such as electromagnetic radiation, sight and cosmic radiation. Some examples of the work that an astronomer performs are formulating research questions, studying literature related to astronomy and researching or studying celestial bodies. The best-known form of research into celestial bodies is the use of a telescope. Telescopes are available from small to large, but the operation is the same. The lens and the diameter of the lens are the most important parts of a telescope to achieve good results.

An astronomer is thus specialized in astronomy (astronomy), which relates to the observation and study of all phenomena outside the Earth's atmosphere. Astronomers use telescopes for this. The really large telescopes, which are used in professional astronomy, are usually set up high in relatively cloudless areas, so that the telescope can be used as much as possible and the best results are achieved. Despite the fact that today's telescopes are already very good, it remains an obstacle that they are on Earth with regard to limited visibility. Nowadays, satellites are also being introduced into space, so that the Earth's atmosphere is no longer an obstacle. Despite the fact that space telescopes also exist nowadays, a lot of research is also being carried out on earth. As described earlier, astronomers are also responsible for conducting scientific research on celestial bodies. The field of an astronomer is also called astrophysics. Astrophysics is part of physics, in which astronomers investigate and try to explain the processes that take place in the cosmos. Investigating the evolution of the universe is called cosmology. Cosmology, for example, involves investigating the Big Bang. Through cosmological insights, astronomers can study how the universe originated in the past. Within astrology, the exact subjects of mathematics, chemistry and physics are important.

Another important part of astrology is astrochemistry. Astrochemistry refers to the investigation of the quantity ratio in which chemical elements occur in a certain environment and which chemical reactions occur exactly. So astrochemistry relates to astronomy and chemistry. Astrochemistry is important, for example, to investigate the composition of planets, which mainly consist of gases. This type of plant is also called gas giant. Within the solar system, Jupiter and Saturn are two examples of gas planets. Gas planets are formed because the planets are far from the sun, so the temperature is lower. As a result, gas planets attract and hold a large amount of nebula. Although astronomers use optical astronomy (telescopes), astronomers nowadays also make extensive use of electromagnetic radiation to observe and analyze celestial bodies. Amateur astronomers generally only use optical astronomy. By means of optical astrology, the most special photos can be made of celestial bodies and objects.

PROFESSION ASTRONOMER

The profession of astronomer revolves to a large extent around scientific research and optical instruments as an important contribution to science. New discoveries are in most cases shared with science worldwide through scientific articles after approval. The scientific articles are a source of inspiration for many people and researchers.

WHAT DOES AN ASTRONOMER DO:

TRAINING AS AN ASTRONOMER

If you aspire to a career as an astronomer, it is best to follow the university course in physics and astronomy of about three years depending on your previous education. The physics and astronomy programme can be followed at several universities in the Netherlands. During the physics and astronomy programme, you will investigate important issues such as what are the most fundamental building blocks of matter, what is dark matter, how are stars and planets born, how do stars and planets evolve, is there life on other planets and are alternative sources of energy possible. The study of physics and astronomy should not be underestimated, because it is a heavy theoretical study. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.

WHERE CAN AN ASTRONOMER WORK

An astronomer generally works for a research institution or university, or works for the government, for example. Obtaining work as an astronomer is not easy to call in practice. Because astronomy has to do with mathematics and physics, an astronomer can work in different ways in practice. In addition, an astronomer can write scientific books or, for example, draw up and/or give education in schools.

COMPETENCES ASTRONOMER

The most important competence of an astronomer is your curiosity about unanswered questions and undiscovered planets, matter, etc. Passion and inspiration must also be regarded as important competences. In addition, you must have a strong communication skills, because in most cases you will work together with many different scientists, volunteers and other stakeholders. Technical knowledge is also important as an astronomer, because you use most modern techniques. Generally important words are collaboration, perseverance, critical, analytical, analyzing, accurate, innovation, ambition and energetic.

LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS AN ASTRONOMER

The labour market perspective of an astronomer is generally moderate, because the profession of astronomer is relatively rare. In addition, the possible employers can be called limited. As an astronomer, you are not only limited to the Netherlands in terms of labour market perspective. The career opportunities of an astronomer must be seen in being able to manage a research team or obtaining a PhD as a scientist. Acting as a guest speaker within various television programs or during conferences can also be regarded as growing within your career.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY ASTRONOMER

There are no specific employment conditions for the profession of astronomer because you can work for different companies, institutions and governments. As an astronomer, it may be necessary to travel a lot because the important research centers will be distributed all over the world and certainly not only within the Netherlands. The salary as an astronomer can vary quite a bit per astronomer because the experience and fame as an astronomer certainly count. The salary as an astronomer will be somewhere between 3000 and 5000 euros gross per month depending on age, education and specific responsibilities.

The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.

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