What is Astronomy? Scope and Career Opportunities

What is Astronomy?
Astronomy is one of the oldest fields of science. It deals with the study of Universe and of the objects like sun, moon, stars, planets, comets, gas, galaxies, gas, dust and other non-earthy bodies.

It is also a multidisciplinary subject that deals with the study of science with physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, geology and biology.

Astronomy is necessarily an observational science rather than an experimental one. The discussions and interpretation of observations employ the use of mathematical analysis, often of the most advanced type.

Scope of Astronomy:
There is a shortage of serious research astronomers in the country. However, there are also a limited number of institutions that do research in astronomy. All you should try to get your degree under a well-recognised astronomer and you will have a reasonable chance of success.

It is desirable for a student to acquire proficiency in physics and mathematics at the graduate level and then to Astronomy & Astrophysics specialisation.

Career Opportunities:
In India, there are several astronomical institutions including IIA where astronomers are employed. Other opportunities are in the government institutions such as ISRO and DRDO.

These graduates can also get a job at NASA. Experience with sophisticated astronomical instrumentation and the expertise gained in computer programming and handling data can serve as valuable assets for jobs in the industry.

What are the job roles:

Astronaut
Research Scientist
Astronomer
University Faculty

Online Courses:
Duke University offers free online course in Astronomy, click here.

Who can apply for this course:

There is no university in India that offers an undergraduate programme in Astronomy. At the Master's and Ph.D levels, there are several options.
Candidates must have B.Sc in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or B.E in Physics or Engineering subjects and apply for a Master's degree programme in one of the Indian Institutions.
Candidates who wish to join for the undergraduate programme in astronomy have to apply for the foreign universities. One must have to pass the eligible criteria of the universities that candidates are applying for an astronomy course.

Top colleges/ Universities in India offering Astronomy course: