Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Dave McDonald, Astronomer
Science Ambassador Dave McDonald is a health and safety representative by day, and amateur astronomer by night. In 2008 he became only the second person to discover an asteroid from Ireland, 160 years after Andrew Graham in 1848. This was followed by a second discovery in March 2009.
In this interview – before he became famous – he talks about how he chose his career, the cool things in his work, and his tips on work experience and what to study.
Space Science, "Careers Chats" with Shanice Griffin
Join digital creator Shanice Griffin for a Post-Primary School Science Week Careers Special hosted from Microsoft's Dream Space. Meet guests Bas Stijnen and Jemima O'Farrell, find out about the journey and inspiration leading to their studies and careers within the fast emerging Irish Space Sector.
Videos on the Web
- Astronomer / Astrophysicist- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
- Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Working Life
Astronomy is the study of the universe beyond the earth's atmosphere. The main branches are astrometry, celestial mechanics, and astrophysics.
Astrophysics is the branch of astronomy concerned with the physical processes associated with the celestial bodies and the intervening regions of space. It deals principally with the energy of stellar systems and the relation between this energy and the evolution of the system.
Astronomers study the universe beyond Earth. Profound investigations like the origins of the universe and the search for life on other planets and solar systems inspire and fascinate many astronomers. Space also gives scientists the opportunity to study physical processes and phenomena in conditions that do not exist on Earth.
Astronomers use sophisticated equipment to collect, analyse and interpret data. As well as optical telescopes, they may use radio and infrared telescopes, or satellites. Infrared telescopes enable astronomers to look at the sun through the dust layer that surrounds it. Astronomers use radio telescopes, which can see far into space, to try to find out about the early stages of the universe. Astronomy has close links with particle physics.
Astronomers usually work in teams, often including astronomers from different countries. Team members are often specialists, for example, in observational astronomy or data analysis and interpretation.
Many astronomers travel a lot to attend conferences and make observations abroad. Others are laboratory or office based.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
- Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
- Analyse research data to determine its significance, using computers.
- Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
- Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena.
- Raise funds for scientific research.
- Teach astronomy or astrophysics.
- Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.
- Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.
Further Information
- Astronomer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Astronomer / Astrophysicist
To become an astronomer, you will need an extensive knowledge of Maths and Physics. You will need to be computer literate because a lot of equipment is computer controlled.
Research work demands patience, problem solving skills, imagination and determination. Foreign language skills are an advantage, because astronomers may work in international teams or travel to make telescope observations from other countries.
Interests - Astronomer / Astrophysicist
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Entry / Progression - Astronomer / Astrophysicist
The usual route towards a career as a professional astronomer is to take a degree in a relevant subject area, which is usually physics but also in mathematics, astronomy or astrophysics. A degree in physics or astrophysics, followed by a masters qualification in a related area (e.g. space science and engineering). Researchers in this field would typically also have completed PhD research.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: applied laboratory science, applied science, laboratory techniques.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: applied laboratory science, applied science, laboratory techniques.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Lab Tech, Lab Analyst.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: physics, astrophysics, astronomy, energy, environment, theoretical physics, biomedical, climate, theoretical.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: physics, applied physics, applied mathematics, theoretical physics, research, experimental physics.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Pay & Salary - Astronomer / Astrophysicist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €62k - €124k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role ESA Salaries & Careers
Data Source(s):
Payscale / Erieri/ ESA
Last Updated: August, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Astronomer / Astrophysicist
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Chemical scientists; Biological scientists; Biochemists; Physical scientists; Social and humanities scientists; Natural and social science professionals n.e.c.; Conservation professionals; Environment professionals; Research and development managers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The annual employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, with employment increasing by almost 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Almost a third of employment was in industry with the remainder spread across many sectors. The number of new employment permits issued grew from 164 to 506 between 2021 and 2022, with two fifths of permits issued for roles in the manufacturing of chemicals/pharma sub-sector for scientists and analysts (e.g. quality control, chemists); other roles include medical scientists/technologists, microbiologists, process development and R&D scientists.
In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates; in Summer 2023, the Government announced plans to expand the number of training places for medical scientists by 20 places. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions for analytical and process scientists. Online job adverts for this occupation grew slightly in 2022, almost all related to posts for R&D managers.
This was the most frequently occurring occupation in online job adverts in 2022. With employment levels increasing and demand still evident, shortages are expected to persist for this occupation, particularly in the chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas. The recent decline in the value of pharmaceutical exports in Ireland is unlikely to have a significant impact on the demand for skills as, in addition to being in strong demand in the pharma & biopharma processing industry, they are much sought after elsewhere in both the life sciences sector (e.g. medical devices) and other manufacturing (e.g. food & beverage); in addition, Government focus (and investment) on research and innovation will also sustain the already strong demand for these skills. Shortages of analytical, process and medical scientists are likely to continue.
