Running head: STEM CAREER FAIR PAPER

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STEM Career Fair Paper: Title Page
Carley Tiano
20153560
Environmental Science, Physics
Due: October13, 2014




















Running head: STEM CAREER FAIR PAPER

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Astronomer

A stem career that I find incredibly interesting is Astronomers. Astronomy is the oldest science
conducted by our early human ancestors. Astronomy is more than mapping out stars and planets
into gods and magical creatures. This career is the study of our entire universe, stars, planets,
comets, asteroids, galaxies, space, and time. Astronomers are at a 10% outlook rate and will
continue to increase by 2,900.
Astronomers are sometimes called astrophysicists. They use the laws of physics and
mathematics to learn about the nature of matter and energy throughout the universe, which
includes the sun, moon, planets, stars, and galaxies. In addition, astronomers apply their
knowledge to solve problems in navigation, space flight, and satellite communications. (Net
Industries and its Licensors Page 1) Astronomers often spend time using the scientific method
developing new hypotheses, theories, and mathematical models. They work in well-equipped
offices, and laboratories but also travel due to observation sites. Some work in observatories,
planetariums, and museums to explain the universe to us. Astronomers can also be employed by
government agencies such as NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration0 or U.S
Naval Observatory.
The career entitles a doctoral degree in astronomy or a closely related field is required.
Assistants or technicians in astronomy that have a bachelor degree in physics or astronomy tend
to only have a few openings. There are more opportunities for those who have a master's degree
in astronomy or a related field, such as physics or mathematics. (State University- Page 2) They
often spend most time studying to keep up with new discoveries in this field. The salary depends
on the education, experience, and type of employer. The median annual salary in 2004 was
$97,320. An astronomers wage pays well above statewide median wage at 53.72 dollars.

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I chose to write about Astronomers because there work is pretty self-evident. I tend to
find great beauty in exploring this arena, how our planet, solar system and universe have evolved
over billions of years. Astronomers use both ground and space based equipment to collect data
about space. Space is such a vast area they can spend their whole career trying to increase the
understanding of our solar system. This is also a difficult job to obtain because the demand is
slim with only 2,220 in the United States, and only 90 positions opening each year.
Astronomy is now considered a pseudoscience, but it help motivate the mapping of the
stars and constellations. (Earthguide.ucsd- Inro into Astrology) Astronomers study objects found
in space such as planets, moons, stars, solar systems and galaxies. Astronomers study objects
found in space such as planets, moons, stars, solar systems and galaxies To become an
astronomer usually requires a high level of education such as a PhD in physics. Scientists believe
that we can only see about 5% of the matter in the Universe. Even though we have studied the
Universe for thousands of years we know very little, but Astronomers hope to find answers to
questions we have and continue this amazing study.










Running head: STEM CAREER FAIR PAPER

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Reference Page
014 Net Industries and its Licensors Sate University. (2014). Astronomer Job Description,
Career as an Astronomer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work,
Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job - StateUniversity.com. Retrieved
from http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/386/Astronomer.html
All Job Openings. (2014). Astronomer Jobs, Job Description, and Salaries. Retrieved from
http://resources.alljobopenings.com/astronomer-jobs
Millis, J. P. (2014). 10 Amazing, Interesting and Strange Astronomy Facts. Retrieved from
http://space.about.com/od/humor/a/AstronomyFacts.htm