Physicist/astronomer

¨       http://www.graduatecareers.com.au/content/view/full/804

¨       http://www.careers.govt.nz/default.aspx?id0=20103&id1=J26120

5.                  Describe the job setting and working conditions (where/what environment).

Physicists typically work normal hours in a non dangerous environment; however, those more dedicated to their work may stay up at night working longer than usual.  Physicists often work in national or international facilities with unique equipment for their use.  Astronomers sometimes have to travel to an observatory for days to gather information watching space.  Physicists and astronomers given grant money are usually under pressure to make new discoveries to keep the grant.

¨       http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos052.htm

6.                   Describe a typical day when working in this career.

A typical day for an astronomer differs greatly each day (and night), but they usually start early.  An astronomer may check the latest papers published about new discoveries in astronomy on the internet; then, download the ones of interest.  Next, they might finalize a proposal written with colleagues to obtain access to a piece of equipment that needs a strong scientific case because there is competition.  A typical trip to a telescope is fun but tiring, staying up every night for about a week.  Astronomers teaching postgraduate students may need to check on their progress in the research lab.  Making courses for students in astronomy takes a long time and some professors look over their own notes from their days learning astronomy.  Most days end on time in order for an astronomer to have a comfortable dinner with their family.

¨       http://ireland.iop.org/activity/careers/A_day_in_the_life/page_18961.html

¨       http://www.noao.edu/education/astfaq.html#ques2