Are you an avid stargazer? Do you have a keen interest in all things related to outer space? If so, you might be wondering how to become an astronomer. A career as an astronomer could be immensely rewarding and the opportunities for new discoveries are...astronomical! The possibilities are almost infinite, and even amateur astronomers can contribute worth-while discoveries. Read on for more information on how to become an astronomer.

• Astronomers are much more than professional stargazers. They research the mysteries of the universe, studying celestial bodies and formulating theories about their origins and compositions. Astronomers usually become highly skilled observers since it is difficult (or currently impossible) to physically interact with most objects in space. It is often necessary to carefully record information about celestial bodies, including stars, planets, asteroids and galaxies with the aid of powerful telescopes.

(Creative Commons photo by Space Ritual)

• Becoming an astronomer takes years of schooling and experience. If you are in high school and know you want to study astronomy, prepare early. Read books and articles about astronomy and how to become an astronomer (like you are now!). Visit observatories, planetariums, museums, and other places relevant to the field. You should do your best and excel in every class, especially in courses that directly correlate to the field. Such courses include:

1. Mathematics
2. Physics
3. Computer science
4. English (writing well is essential in this field)

• If you have a strong interest in astronomy, you should probably invest in a telescope and become an amateur astronomer. The American Association of Astronomers' website offers great information on stargazing, including magazine articles and professional journals. Groups of amateur astronomers commonly get together in local communities, so you should check to see if there is one nearby.

• Once you have completed high school, you should enroll in a four-year college to obtain a bachelor's degree. You may be able to major in astronomy, but if not, take courses in mathematics and science, and particularly physics, to further your educational background. Some universities offer a combined astrophysics degree. The American Astronomical Society maintains an online list of colleges offering astronomy-related degrees.

• In most cases, astronomers have doctoral degrees. A Ph.D degree in physics or a related field is a typical requirement for both astronomers and physicists.

• Once you have completed your education, it is time to find a job. While online job listings can often be found on Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com, you should consider expanding your job search to include astronomy-related websites, including the American Astronomical Society's online job register.

• Knowledge in astronomy makes it all the more easier to get a job as a meteorologist, an amateur astronomer, etc. Oftentimes, people find themselves teaching as a professor at colleges. However, you can also find job opportunities at the Department of Defense or NASA, along with other well-known space agencies.

Astronomers are often employed:

1. As faculty members at colleges or universities
2. By the federal government, including at:
   1. NASA (The National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
   2. The Department of Defense
3. By private scientific research firms

• If you are fortunate enough to secure employment as an astronomer, the potential earnings could be great. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, astronomers earned an average annual salary of $95,740 in 2006.

Becoming an astronomer takes many years of study. Start early by taking courses in math and science in high school. Then you may be able to major in astronomy in college, and consider going on to obtain a Ph.D, especially if you wish to work as a researcher in the field.