Profession astronomer

Astronomers research the formation, structures, properties, and development of celestial bodies and interstellar matter. They use ground-based equipment and space-based equipment to collect data about the space for research purposes.

Personality Type

• Investigative / Artistic

Knowledge

• Statistics

  The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.

• Mathematics

  Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.

• Astronomy

  The field of science that studies the physics, chemistry, and evolution of celestial objects such as stars, comets, and moons. It also examines phenomena that happen outside Earth's atmosphere such as solar storms, cosmic microwave background radiation, and gamma ray bursts.

• Scientific research methodology

  The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

• Physics

  The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.

Skills

• Perform scientific research

  Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

• Operate scientific measuring equipment

  Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.

• Gather experimental data

  Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.

• Apply statistical analysis techniques

  Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.

• Carry out scientific research in observatory

  Perform research in a building equipped for the observation of natural phenomena, especially in relation to celestial bodies.

• Apply scientific methods

  Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

• Execute analytical mathematical calculations

  Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB