Astronomer
An astronomer is a type of scientist who studies celestial bodies in the universe, such as planets, stars, galaxies and other objects existing throughout space. In a traditional sense, astronomy has always been concerned with the discovery, observation and classification of bodies and masses found through the universe, while another discipline called astrophysics tried to explain why phenomena in space occurred and why they existed. Today, the distinction between the two disciplines do not have that distinction anymore because astronomers generally have PhDs in physics and astronomy. As a result, most of their work encompasses both traditional astronomer work along with functions of astrophysics as well.
Typically, astronomers are employed by prestigious research institution and universities as they spend a great deal of their valuable time researching various new discoveries examined by powerful telescopes and other instruments. They also have various other duties besides research, such as teaching, building instruments used to observe the universe, and aiding with day-to-day operations within high-tech observatories with powerful microscopes.
Surprisingly, becoming a professional astronomer is very difficult and there is only a handful of astronomers within the United States. The American Astronomical Society, a society of professional astronomers and other individuals interested in astronomy aimed at promoting and advancing astronomy knowledge and other similar disciplines of science, only has about 7,700 members. Other fields of science that the American Astronomical Society contains are physics, geology, and engineering, all disciplines with similar interests and ideals. In addition, the International Astronomical Union contains about 9,250 members across close to 90 different countries throughout the world who are involved in astronomical research on the PhD level.
Even though there is a small number of professional astronomers that practice advanced astronomical techniques and use powerful instruments, the number of amateur astronomers is quite large. Cities across the United States have astronomy clubs where amateur astronomers meet and host parties within their communities. The largest astronomy group in the world, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, has many professional and amateur astronomers, along with teachers from over 70 different nations.
So what does it mean to be an amateur astronomer? Like any normal hobby a person may have, amateur astronomers dedicate a few hours a week to astronomy, such as observing the night sky, and keeping up to date with the latest developments in astronomy research by subscribing to publications and science journals. Some amateur astronomers may even own high-powered telescopes and other expensive instruments, allowing many of them to make their own discoveries, while aiding professional researchers in the development of astronomical knowledge.
In modern times, astronomy is a lot more advanced then just looking through a telescope lens. Astronomers and engineers have constructed telescopes that are much more advanced than traditional ones, capable of observing objects that are hundreds of light years away. The average professional astronomer may spend a few days observing through an advanced telescope, but the rest of the entire year may be spent analyzing the data collected. Many astronomers also teach full time to graduate and undergraduate classes at universities.