ASTRONOMY
Have you ever experienced a deep desire to follow the footsteps of the likes of Nicolaus Copernicus, Johannes Kepler or Edmond Halley? Though their contributions have been varied, they proved to be extremely beneficial to a common field - Astronomy.
Brief Description:
Astronomy is a study of heavenly bodies. It is an attempt to study and understand celestial phenomena.
Astronomy is sometimes also considered a sub-field of Physics. Astronomers use the principles of Physics and Mathematics to learn about the fundamental nature of the universe, including the sun, moon, planets, stars and galaxies. They also apply their knowledge to problems in navigation and space flight.
They try to discover new planets, stars in our own solar system as well as those in galaxies millions of light years away. After which they try to find out peculiarities of these bodies and come up with theories to explain them.
Astronomers also study the behavior of comets and asteroids and if ever, warn earth of any impending disaster. They conduct observational and theoretical research to broaden our knowledge of energy, matter and natural processes throughout the universe.
Personality Traits:
To pursue a career in this field you got to be genuinely interested in stars and planets. And by that it means not just the usual “Oh the moon looks so beautiful tonight” kind of interest. This is one subject the textbook of which is open right over your head every night.
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You need good powers of observation and concentration. You also need good analytical and mathematical skills. You should possess above average intelligence, ability to work independently and the will to work for long hours. You will be required to travel and stay in remote locations to record activities like eclipses and meteor showers. The stay might not be very comfortable and so you must have the ability to rough it out.
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It is essential to have a command over oral and written communication skills, since most astronomers are expected to work as a part of a team or have contacts with other agencies.
Branches of study:
Astronomy is the study of the physical nature of stars, galaxies, and the universe. It divides into the fields such as Astrophysics, Celestial Mechanics and Cosmology.
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Astrophysics is the study of the physical nature of stars, galaxies, and the universe.
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Celestial Mechanics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the calculation of the orbits of celestial; bodies, their gravitational attractions and also orbits of artificial satellites and space probes.
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Cosmology is the branch of astronomy that deals with the structure and evolution of the universe as an ordered whole.
Study/Training:
At the XI and XII level one must opt for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics group of subjects. You then are required to pursue a B. Sc in Physics / Mathematics / Computer Science or B. E. / B. Tech. in related disciplines to be eligible for the Master's course in Astronomy. A doctoral degree is the usual educational requirement for better career prospects. You can apply for a Ph. D programme in Observational Astronomy, Astrophysics or Space Sciences. Additional experience and training in postdoctoral programme may be useful for permanent research positions.
Employment Areas:
Your qualifications, experience and expertise act as determinants of your employment prospects.
We find Astronomers working as faculty members at various colleges and universities.
You may also work for government agencies like:
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Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
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Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
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National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA)
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Physical Research Laboratory (PRL)
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The Department of Science and Technology
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The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) and so on.
Even after retirement, you could work in a planetarium or a science center trying to make this complicated science easier for kids. You could even author books be it fact or fiction.
For International prospects we find that the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA), USA, looks very favorably towards India when it comes to scientists and experts. If you pursue your master's or doctoral studies in the related field you may seek employment there. But more often than not your experience in a particular area of specialization will help you.
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Some Educational Institutes:
Institutions offering Astronomy:(list is indicative)
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Osamia University, Administrative Building, Hyderabad – 500 007.
[M. Sc.]
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University of Lucknow, Badshah Bagh, Lucknow – 226 007.
[B. Sc.]
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University of Madras, Centenary Buildings, Chepauk, Triplicane P. O., Chennai – 600 005.
[B. Sc.]
Institutions offering Astrophysics:(list is indicative)
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Shivaji University, Vidyanagar, Kolhapur – 416 004.
[B. Sc]
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Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Dnyanteerth, Gautami Nagar, Vishnupuri, Nanded – 431 606.
[M. Sc]
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Institutions offering Space Science:(list is indicative)
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Punjabi University, Patiala – 147 002.
[B. Sc / PG Diploma]
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University of Pune, Department of Space Sciences (DOSS), Pune – 411 007.
[M. Sc. Space Science, Atmospheric Science, Astrophysics, Space Science]
Institutions offering PhD:(list is indicative)
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Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Koramangala, Bangalore - 560 034.
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Indian Institute of Science, Malleswaram, Bangalore - 560 012.
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Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Post Bag 4, Ganeshkhind, Pune - 411 007.
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Physical Research Laboratory, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad- 380 009.
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Raman Research institute, Bangalore – 560 080.
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Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai - 400 005.
Institutions offering Space Science:(list is indicative)
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Punjabi University, Patiala – 147 002.
[B. Sc / PG Diploma]
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University of Pune, Department of Space Sciences (DOSS), Pune – 411 007.
[M. Sc. Space Science, Atmospheric Science, Astrophysics, Space Science]
Institutions offering PhD:(list is indicative)
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Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Koramangala, Bangalore - 560 034.
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Indian Institute of Science, Malleswaram, Bangalore - 560 012.
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Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Post Bag 4, Ganeshkhind, Pune
The road to your ‘milky way’ may not be a familiar or easy one, but if you have the right amount of dedication and determination, it’s not impossible to reach your goal.
In conclusion, it is best to say that the spectrum of this extra-ordinary field is as diverse and infinite as the Universe itself…
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