What type of work is involved in a career in astronomy?
Since astronomy is such a multi-faceted subject, most astronomers find it difficult to describe a typical day. But certainly, a typical day does not include observing with a telescope. That is a misconception, and not how most astronomer hours are spent. Most of the time, an astronomer works at a computer analyzing data or computing models, or travels to attend meetings or make observations. Reviewing other scientists’ proposals (for NASA and National Science Foundation programs) and articles (submitted for publication in professional journals) are also part of the daily routine. Many astronomers would say they spend lots of time writing grant proposals. Most astronomers hold teaching positions at colleges and universities, combining teaching and research. Teaching and preparing for class consume a great deal of time for this type of astronomer and finding time for research is sometimes difficult. Other astronomers work at research institutions. This kind of astronomer can spend up to
