Explore occupational profile

Version:
OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
Search the OaSIS

21100.02 – Astronomers

Astronomers conduct observational and theoretical research to extend knowledge of the universe.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Astronomer
  • Cosmologist
  • Radio astronomer

Core competencies

  • Critical Thinking, Decision Making and Problem Solving to question existing theories about the universe, analyze incomplete or ambiguous data and evaluate the impact variables have on the accuracy of data
  • Reading Comprehension to understand highly specialized language used in complex theories, to keep up with new discoveries in astronomy and to participate to peer review process to assess the validity, significance and clarity of research
  • Mathematical Reasoning and Numerical Ability to develop mathematical models to extend understanding of celestial bodies and cosmic radiation
  • Deductive Reasoning to test hypotheses and to predict the outcome of specific celestial observations based on the existing theories of the universe
  • Attention to Detail to use specialized instruments for accurate and precise measurement of celestial bodies' positions, motion or properties and to minimize errors in interpretation
  • Knowledge in Physics to understand the laws that govern the universe, interpret data coming from signals and radiation, explain astronomical observations and create models that explain celestial bodies' formation, structure and evolution

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Design and conduct observational surveys, conduct detailed analyses and develop numerical models to extend knowledge of celestial bodies and cosmic radiation
  • Develop or participate in the development of instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.

Additional information

  • Mobility between specializations within physics and within astronomy is possible with experience.
  • Mobility is possible to the fields of meteorology, geophysics and other fields of science.
  • Progression to management positions is possible with experience.
  • Astronomers may specialize in fields such as astrophysics, observational or optical astronomy and radio astronomy.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Architecture and science managers (20011)
  • Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (21311)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

2 – Natural and applied sciences and related occupations

TEER

1 – Occupations usually require a university degree

Major group

21 – Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences

Sub-major group

211 – Professional occupations in natural sciences

Minor group

2110 – Physical science professionals

Unit group

21100 – Physicists and astronomers

Occupational profile

21100.02 – Astronomers

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.