Astrophysicist: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Not all people have interests or even care about the sun, stars, the heavenly and celestial bodies, planets, moons and those entities found outside the earth's atmosphere. We are more familiar with the profession astronomers, but rarely do we talk about the special type called the astrophysicists. Astrophysicists are professionals whose specialty is a combination of two different fields such the the field of astronomy and the field of physics. As scientists astronomers, they use the concepts learned and the principles of physics to be able to study the universe, the galaxy, solar system, the stars, and other outer space entities. They are continuously in search for the answers on the beginning of the universe and the changing conditions that happen everyday. They study these area through continuous research and experimentations, and focus their concepts on the broader areas like gravity, nuclear interactions or reactions, as well as electomagnetism.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
The minimum requirement to become an astrophysicist is a possession of a bachelor's degree in astronomy, mathematics, as well as in physics. However, an advanced degree is more preferred by the employers and is highly desirable for building a career in the field of astrophysics. To be able to teach in a university or qualify as a consultant, at least a master's degree if not a doctoral degree, is required. Classes in English, Computers, Research and subjects in science and mathematics are good preparatory subjects for those who are aspiring to be one.Skills and AbilitiesIt is expected that after obtaining a degree in the many sciences of physics and astronomy, an astrophysicist has more than adequate knowledge in the ins and outs of the field. Critical thinking skills, analytical skills are needed so as to draw conclusions from the observations that they gained. Being able to use different tools in observatories such as different types of telescopes, spectrometers, specializes computers and radiation measuring devices are also expected competencies that must be mastered. Integrity and a deep interest in the bodies and events outside the planet should be a prerequisite to become a dedicated and passionate successful astrophysicist.
Duties
As special types of astronomers, astrophysicits are focused on the application of the concpets in physics to the stellar atmospheres and interiors.The primary duty of these tpyes of professionals is to make obesrvations using high techonology tools and gadgets, and record them accordingly.
They work in different setting such as the observatories, and at times involved in a mission. They use telescope and other measuring equipment to visualze heavenly bodies and keep track of the movements and activities. Other tools that they use are spectrometers, specialized computers with measuring device to gauge the intensity and amount of infrared radation, ultraviolet radiation as well as radiowaves. Other astrophysicists are employed by the colleges as academic consultants or professors wherein teaching and consulatncy are their primary duties. Before reaching this position, they should have proved a certain degree of credibility in the field by gaining an actual experience in the practical field of astrophysics.
Job Outlook and Earnings
There are only a few employment opportunities for an astrophysicist, just like for the general astronomers. This is due to the cost of the equipment being used in the job setting like the space observatories and laboratories. There is also a tight competition among the applicants.The job outlook is expected to grow slowly than the average up to the year 2014. The salary of an astrophysicist depend on the state of practice, the employer, as well as the educational degree and the level of experience. The range of earnings starts off ffrom 43,410 U.S.dollars to around 136,870 U.S. dollars per annum.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 641 Date: Sat, 6 Nov 2010 Time: 1:41 PM
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