“Astronomy” and “Astrophysics” are sometimes seen as synonyms but Astrophysics is often thought of as a subdiscipline of astronomy and the difference is subtle. Astronomy is a natural science which deals with celestial objects like planets, moons, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and comets and their related phenomena such as supernova explosions, Gamma ray bursts, etc.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities in astronomy are more diverse such as Planetary Geologists, Astrobiologists, Cosmologists and Telescope Design Engineers. Here are some opportunities as a career for a physics or mathematics or engineering graduate with a specialisation in the same field or a Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics:
- As a Research Scientist
- College/University Faculty
- Industry Expertise
There are several research institutes and government organisations who recruit research scientists in various academic grades for research oriented programmes. Also, There will always be opportunities in colleges and universities as a faculty member in the physics department for specialists in Astronomy & Astrophysics.
Astronomy & Astrophysics may be taught in the M.Sc. level programmes in universities and i colleges. Any B.Tech or B.E. degree holder with an aptitude for Astronomy and Astrophysics, can also enter the field as a research scholar.
There are some prestigious universities and autonomous research institutions which provide courses in this field.
- Indian Institute of astrophysics (IIA)
- The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)
- Indian Institute of science (IISc)
- Kumaon University
Further, Astronomy can be defined as an observational science rather than an experimental one. Modern Astronomy requires modern technology and state of the art facilities for better research and development.