Telescope, device used to form magnified images of distant objects. The telescope is undoubtedly the most important investigative tool in astronomy.

The Hubble Space Telescope has three types of instruments that analyze light from the universe: cameras, spectrographs and interferometers.

• Cameras. Hubble’s scientific instruments analyze different types of light ranging from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR).
• Spectrographs.
• Interferometers.
• Past Instruments.

Astronomers are scientists who study the universe, its objects and how it works. They aim to push the boundaries of human knowledge about how the universe works by observation and theoretical modelling.

Ultraviolet telescopes allow astronomers to study things such as the composition of the gas that exists between stars. Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between those of radio waves and visible light is called infrared light.

The key instrument of nearly all modern observational astronomy is the telescope.

You’ll need:

• maths knowledge.
• knowledge of physics.
• analytical thinking skills.
• science skills.
• excellent verbal communication skills.
• the ability to use your initiative.
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning.
• concentration skills.

Astronomers use a wide range of programming languages to conduct observational and theoretical studies of the universe. Some examples are C, C++, and python. All of these languages are adaptable to the interpretation of complex mathematics and physical models, which makes the necessary tools for the study of astronomy.

If you’re adept in science and math, this could be a great career path with high financial rewards, but getting your foot in the door will be difficult. The median annual wage for astronomers is $114,590, and $122,850 for physicists.

Q: How much money do astronomers make? A: It’s hard to get rich by being an astronomer, but most astronomers make enough money to live comfortably. The amount astronomers are paid depends on where the astronomer is working, how much experience the astronomer has, and even how prestigious the astronomer is.

A major in astronomy provides a solid foundation in mathematics and physics, and most gain experience with computer programming and statistics as well. This can be an attractive package of skills for employers. In fact, on some lists Astronomy is one of the top 10 college degrees for starting salaries.

Education & Training for an Astronomer Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, biology, chemistry, earth and environmental science, mathematics and physics are normally required. Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree.

Astronomy is an outdoor nature hobby, so the best way to begin is to go out into the night and learn the starry names and patterns overhead.

1. Use the monthly naked-eye star charts in Sky & Telescope magazine.
2. Download our free Getting Started in Astronomy flyer (with bimonthly maps)

Astronomy is the study of everything in the universe beyond Earth’s atmosphere. That includes objects we can see with our naked eyes, like the Sun , the Moon , the planets, and the stars . It also includes objects we can only see with telescopes or other instruments, like faraway galaxies and tiny particles.

Astronomy as a hobby Astronomy can be a fascinating and rewarding pastime, whether you have a substantial telescope and accessories such as a CCD camera, or are a beginner observing with the naked eye.

Amateur astronomy is a hobby where participants enjoy observing or imaging celestial objects in the sky using the unaided eye, binoculars, or telescopes.

How to Participate in Astronomy Research

1. Take part in a citizen science project.
2. Join a Pro-Am collaboration.
3. Organise a Science Hack Day.
4. Process image data from professional telescopes.
5. Back a science project on a crowd-funding website.

Sky Map (Android) and Star Walk (iPhone) are free stargazing apps and provide the names of stars, constellations and planets if you point your phone at the sky. Both have a “night view” or “red light” option, which is useful once your eyes adjust to the dark.