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Astronomer

Role Model

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Dr. Dennis Lamenti

Career Highlight Video

https://youtu.be/705TuluAq4Q

PDF Astronomer Career Fact Sheet

Return to Career Page

Teaching Points

Astronomers are scientists who study the universe and all the things in it.  By using physics and math, their studies include the sun, moon, planets, stars, and galaxies.  They look to solve problems in navigation, space flight, and satellite communications through their study. At times they create their own scientific instruments and techniques to collect the data.

 

A few Astronomers are theoreticians.  Theoreticians work on the laws governing the structure and evolution of astronomical objects. Some of their observations and data gatherings, write scientific papers and reports.

 

Large space-based or ground-based telescopes are used with smaller optical telescopes and radio telescopes are used to gather data.

 

A small number of astronomers work in museums with a planetarium. These astronomers develop and revise programs presented to the public and may direct planetarium operations.

 

 

Suggested Reading

  1. Little Astronomer:  Journey into the Solar System.  Julia Stilchen.  2015. Grade level:  2-3

  2. Outer Space!  Great Astronomers and Their Discoveries.  Left Brain Kids.  2016

  3. Astronomers through Time:  Earth and Space Science  Lisa Greathouse.  2007

  4. Space!  2015.  DK Children.  2015. Ages 9-12.

  5. Women Astronomers: Reaching for the Stars (Discovering Women in Science), Mabel Armstrong (Grade Level 7-12)

  6. More Telescope Power: All New Activities and Projects for Young Astronomers, Gregory L.Matloff

  7. The Urban Astronomer: A Practical Guide for Observers in Cities and Suburbs (Wiley Science Editions), Gregory L. Matloff

 

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Career Web Links 

  1. U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook Astronomer and Physicist

  2. Astronomy Magazine. For the upper elementary and beyond. Great resource and current articles.

  3. Astronomy for Kids. Interactive. Learn about the moon, space exploration, and our solar system.

  4. StarChild: A Learning Center for Young Astronomers (Grade level K-8) Interactive site on the solar system and universe.

  5. Imagine Universe! (Ages 14+)

  6. Navajo-Hope Astronomy Outreach Program, Lowell Observatory, Arizona.

  7. Native American Sky Legends.  Teacher's guide. Downloadable pdf file.

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