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Department of Astronomy- An introduction- 15-Sep-2009
Astronomy is the most ancient field that lures many.
Astronomy is a study that deals with the features of the sky and its components that are beyond the outer sphere of Earth. This is a science related to Cosmos and the study deals with the Cosmic Movement, Natures Structures, History, Space related to Sun, Planets, Stars, Satellites, Meteorites and Milky Ways.
Astronomy, considered as a sub-part of Physics includes subsidiary studies such as Astrophysics, Astrometeorology, Astrobiology, Astrogeology, Astrometry and Cosmology. These departments coordinate and assist to haul out the real facts about Cosmos. Astronomy remains as an interesting and hopeful field to those persons fascinated by the mystery of Cosmos and are keen to solve the secrecy,
As every country is involved in atomic experimentation, the need for the support from experts in Astronomy is increasing. While studying this in the technological level, this is divided into Observational Astronomy and Theoretical Astrophysics.
In Observational Astronomy, particulars regarding sky are collected through the Telescope, Binocular, and Camera, and also by observation through naked eyes. The collected information are used to design tools and administer them .
In Theoretical Astronomy information are gathered, analyzed and explained with the aid of Computers. This is a department totally involved in research aspects and analytical surveys.
Who are suitable to do this?
Those who have skill in general Physics alone are appropriate for this department. This is a massive field with wide-ranging jobs comprising tool-fastening groups and theoretical groups of people proficient in Maths and Physics.
To enter this field, it is obligatory to possess knowledge in programming and a quality to search out answers incessantly for questions. Only on choosing the right field in Astronomy, the jobs future is assured. Those who prefer to do Instrumentation Astronomy must opt for Engineering in Astronomy.
Qualifications required
As this field has greater focus on Researches and Development Programmes, it requires only research-oriented persons to become full-fledged Astronomers.
Those who want to join this must have studied in the science stream of plus two, Physics and Maths . They must have completed a degree course in Science to join Theoretical or Observational Astronomy. Almost no university offers a degree course in Astronomy
Hence, they must have done either B.Sc Physics Major or B.Sc Hons in Physics with Maths as subsidiary subject. By continuing the Ph D programme after completing MSc in Physics, they can become either Space Scientists or Researchers or Astronauts.
To join as researchers in Instrumentation or Experimental Astronomy, one has to complete BE Or BTech in Electrical/ Electronics/ Electronics and Communi-cations.
To join this discipline, basically the students must have enthusiasm, interest and observation power. Apart from these qualities, more than average intelligence, imaginative felicity, patience, ability to resolve any problem, Math and Computer skills are also essential. They are also required to work for long hours and also during odd hours. Since they work as groups, good communication skill is also mandatory.
To work for long hours and to travel extensively are unavoidable here. Besides doing research, it is possible for one to serve as a lecturer also. Job opportunities are available in Defence Services, Space Researches, Organizations that produce Electrical and Electronic instruments. In addition, there are scopes to serve in Research laboratories, Observatories, Planetarium and Science Parks.
There are challenging job opportunities in ISRO, Vikram Sarabhai Space Research Center and Astrophysics Research Laboratories.. One can get a respectable salary, if one possesses skill and experience.
Best Institutions in this field
- Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (A.R.I.E.S.), Nainital
( Uttarakhand ), Manora Peak , Nainital ( Nainital Dist. ) 263129 - Cochin University of Science and Technology: Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Kochi ( Kerala )
- Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi (Ernakulam Dist.) 682022
- Harish Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh) Chhatnag Road, Jhusi , Allahabad (Allahabad Dist.) 211019
- Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore (Karnataka)
II Block, Koramangala , Bangalore (Bangalore (Bangalore) Dist.) 560034 - Indian Institute of Science (I.I.Sc.) : Department of Physics,
Bangalore (Karnataka) - Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (Bangalore (Bengaluru) Dist.) 560012
- Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (I.U.C.A.A.),
Pune (Maharashtra) Post Bag 4, Ganeshkhind, Pune University Campus,
Pune (Pune Dist.) 411007 - National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (N.C.R.A.), Pune (Maharashtra )
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Pune University Campus, Post Bag 3, Ganeshkhind , Pune ( Pune Dist. ) 411007
- Osmania University: College of Science, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) Osmania University, Administrative Building, Hyderabad (Hyderabad Dist.) 500007
- Physical Research Laboratory (P.R.L.), Ahmedabad (Gujarat)
Navrangpura, Ahmedabad (Ahmedabad Dist.) 380009 - Raman Research Institute, Bangalore (Karnataka)
C.V. Raman Avenue, Sadashivanagar,
Bangalore (Bangalore (Bengaluru) Dist.) 560080
