Astronomy, the oldest and the most fascinating science, deals with
all the celestial bodies and the material universe beyond the earth's
atmosphere. It is the science of the Universe which includes the study
of motion, nature, law, constitution, history and possible future developments
of heavenly bodies like the sun, planets, stars, comets, meteors, galaxies,
satellites etc.
Astronomy, sometimes considered as a sub-field of Physics is further
divided into several branches such as Astrophysics, Astrometeorology,
Astrobiology, Astrogeology, Astrometry, Cosmology etc. All these branches
together helps to unravel the mysteries of the universe. It is a promising
and amazing career for those who are interested in the mysteries of the
universe and has a desire to unravel them. Since each country is going
in for nuclear testing, the need for scientists in the filed of Astronomy
is increasing.
In the professional level, astronomy is divided into observational astronomy
and theoretical astrophysics. While the former deal with observing celestial
bodies by using telescopes, binoculars, cameras, unaided eyes etc and
collecting data for building and maintaining instruments; the latter is
concerned with data analysis - finding out the conclusions of observations
of computers and explaining the observational results. Theoretical
astrophysics is more analytical and astrophysicists model data.
For entering into this field, one should be good at general physics.
Astronomy is a vast field which varies from the instrument building teams
to the theoretical branches where mathematical ability and physical intuition
is essential. Apart from good programming skills, curiosity and ability
to search out answers are also essential in this field. One's career in
this field depends on what aspect of astronomy they are interested to
work in. If interested in doing instrumentation or experimental astronomy,
one can opt for the engineering stream. Instrumental astronomy specialises
in the design and construction of astronomical instrumentation at different
wavelengths, for ground and space-based observatories. Experimental Astronomy
acts as a medium for the publication of papers on the instrumentation
and data handling necessary for the conduct of astronomy at all wavelength
fields. Those who have chosen science stream can do theoretical astronomy
or observation.
