Astronomy involves far more than just looking at stars. Comets, planets and stars, as well as collections of stars such as globular clusters (up to 1 million stars) and galaxies (up to 100 million stars) are studied. Astronomy is also concerned with how and when the universe began (the Big Bang theory being one explanation) and what will happen to it in the future. Astronomers research the nature, origin and evolution of astronomical objects to obtain a deeper understanding of the laws of physics. They are essentially physicists who use the universe as a laboratory.
Because one cannot travel to the stars in order to retrieve pieces of them for analysis in one’s laboratory, one must use all other available information, such as radiation across the entire electromagnetic spectrum - from radio waves to gamma rays and cosmic rays - tiny particles that interact with the earth’s atmosphere or magnetic field.
Astronomers use their knowledge of mathematics and physics to study the nature, origin and evolution of astronomical objects to obtain a deeper understanding of the universe. This knowledge can be applied to developing navigational systems that will enable us to find our way through space.
Information on astronomical objects is collected by detecting their signals through space-based, ground-based, optical, gamma ray, X-ray and radio telescopes in conjunction with sensitive detecting devices. This data is analysed, often with the aid of computers, and interpreted in the framework of mathematical models incorporating the ideas of modern physics.
Astronomers do not usually work at night and sleep during the day. Many theoretical astronomers work normal hours and do not have to make any observations. Radio observations can be made during the day as well as at night, but much of the telescope’s functions are pre-programmed and do not require the constant presence of an astronomer.
Optical and infrared astronomers do the observational part of their work at night. For every week-long “observing run” at night, an astronomer will spend six to ten weeks on a normal daytime schedule, analysing data and doing other work.
Observational astronomy occupies much less of the astronomer’s time than analysing data. Observational astronomers plan research which involves the measurement of electromagnetic radiation (such as light waves). They analyse the results obtained and publish the findings so that others in the field will have access to the information.
Theoretical astronomers concentrate on developing theories concerning various aspects of the universe. It is possible to work in both theoretical and observational astronomy, although most astronomers tend to be more active in one or the other. Some astronomers also teach Mathematics or Physics at a university.