Career Track: Astronomy

Astronomy is the study of the universe, and it includes all the amazing ideas we’ve discussed in this chapter. Would you like to have a career that contributes to astronomy? There are many ways to do that.

For example:

• Engineers play a crucial role in astronomy, because they design and build telescopes and spacecraft that we use to make astronomical observations. Many types of engineer contribute to this process, but you might especially consider aerospace engineering or electrical engineering.
• Computer programmers write the code necessary to help astronomers interpret vast amounts of astronomical data that are collected by modern observatories.
• Data analysts also play a crucial role in interpreting astronomical data.
• Physicists study science that is important both to astronomical observations, such as how optics work, and to interpreting astronomical data.
• Astrophysicists are usually the people in charge of research projects in astronomy.
  Many other careers in science and technology also become involved in astronomy. And, of course, anyone can continue to study astronomy for fun by keeping up with the news about new astronomical discoveries.