O*NET-SOC 19-2011.00

Astronomers

Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.

Preparation

ItemValue
Preparation zoneZone 5 – Extensive preparation needed
What O*NET says the zone requiresExtensive skill, knowledge, or experience is needed
Broad occupation in O*NETTrue (Yes)
Skills listed for this occupation6
Abilities listed for this occupation6
Tasks listed for this occupation5
Interest scores given for this occupation6

Skills

The 6 skills with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

SkillO*NET elementImportanceDate
Reading Comprehension2.A.1.a4.2508/2024
Science2.A.1.f4.2508/2024
Critical Thinking2.A.2.a4.1208/2024
Mathematics2.A.1.e4.1208/2024
Writing2.A.1.c4.1208/2024
Active Learning2.A.2.b4.008/2024

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Abilities

The 6 abilities with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

AbilityO*NET elementImportanceDate
Deductive Reasoning1.A.1.b.44.1208/2024
Inductive Reasoning1.A.1.b.54.1208/2024
Oral Comprehension1.A.1.a.14.1208/2024
Oral Expression1.A.1.a.34.1208/2024
Written Comprehension1.A.1.a.24.1208/2024
Written Expression1.A.1.a.44.1208/2024

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Tasks

The tasks O*NET records for this occupation, with the type, respondent count and date each record carries.

TaskTypeIncumbents respondingDate
Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.Core2308/2024
Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.Core2308/2024
Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.Core2308/2024
Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.Core2308/2024
Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.Core2308/2024

Work interests

The interest scores O*NET gives this occupation, on the six interest types.

InterestScoreDate
Investigative7.011/2023
Realistic4.8511/2023
Conventional3.9711/2023
Artistic3.2411/2023
Social2.8111/2023
Enterprising1.9911/2023

More occupations in preparation zone 5

Source: O*NET 29.1 Database (Occupation Data, Job Zones, Skills, Abilities, Task Statements, Interests), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Data fetched 2026-10-31. See about and sources.