Astronomer

Looking for a career that's, quite literally, out of this world? As an astronomer, you'll observe and study space – from enormous stars and planets to tiny particles.

Your work will help us understand more about the way our universe works. You'll take part in big research projects that look at objects and events in space. The data you collect will tell you all sorts of cool facts about the origin and structure of the universe.

Astronomers use a range of cutting-edge methods to collect and analyse information. For example, you'll work with computers, optical and radio telescopes, spectroscopes, satellites, spacecraft and space probes.

Some people specialise in observational and theoretical astronomy. Others focus on a particular topic, like planetary science or the formation of galaxies.

But astronomers aren't just based in laboratories or observatories! You may work in a museum or planetarium. Some astronomers also move into university lecturing.

Space is constantly evolving – so, you'll attend conferences to stay up-to-date with the latest ideas and evidence.

Your tasks might include:

• setting up instruments to observe and measure features in space

• charting the appearance, position, movement and structures of the sun, stars, planets and galaxies

• measuring radiation coming from stars, planets, quasars and other matter in space

• developing models and using computer programs to interpret your findings – you'll then describe and explain them to other people

• making predictions and testing them, perhaps you'll develop new instruments or software that'll help you do this

• keeping the observatory in good condition and supervising the way it's run

• Royal Astronomical Society – explore this organisation that encourages and promotes the study of astronomy

• The Science Council – check out the standard-setter for professional scientists