Overview:
An astronomer is a scientist who tries to understand and interpret the Universe beyond Earth and the Earth within the Universe. He/she applies knowledge of mathematics, physics, and chemistry in an effort to explain the origin of those objects and phenomena and their evolution. Using observational tools like space and ground-based observatories, computers and the good old paper and pencil, astronomers attempt to build up a picture, not only of what the Universe is like today, but what it was like billions of years ago. There are several branches of astronomy such as Astrophysics, Astrobiology, Astrogeology, and Astrometry.
Career Path:
To become an astronomer, you are required to earn Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in astronomy, or astrophysics. Astronomers usually spend 3 to 6 years in post-doctoral positions in research institutions or universities. This career requires a strong academic background to be successful.
| Stream of Study in 12th Grade/School: |
Science stream (especially with Physics and Mathematics) |
| Degree/Graduation Courses: |
- B.Sc. Physics
- B.Sc. Computer
- B.Sc. in Physics (H) with Mathematics as a secondary subject
- B.Sc. in Astrophysics – 3 year full-time course
- B.Sc. in Astronomy – 3 year full-time course
- B.E/ B.Tech in Computer Science for 4 years
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| Higher education/Post Graduation Courses: |
- M.Sc. Physics
- M.Sc. Astronomy/Astrophysics for 2 years
- M.Tech (Astronomy and Space Engineering)
- M.Tech /M.E in computer science for 2 years
- Ph.D. in Astronomy
- Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Ph.D. in Astrophysics
- Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science and Astrophysics
- Integrated M.Sc. – Ph.D. Programme in Physics and Astrophysics
- Integrated M.Tech – Ph.D. (Tech.) programme in Astronomical Instrumentation
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Top Colleges:
- Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAP) Main Campus, Bangalore
- Osmania University, Hyderabad
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai
- Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
- The Vainu Bappu Observatory (IIA), Kavalur, Tamil Nadu
- Centre for Applicable Mathematics (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research ), Bengaluru
- Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research), Mumbai
- Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
- School of Applied and Pure Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala
- School of studies in Physics and Astrophysics, Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur
- Swami Ramanand Teerth University, Maharashtra
