The Field

Astronomy is the study of the regions beyond the Earth: planets, moons, stars, galaxies, and the universe itself. Astronomers study these objects not only by observing them with telescopes and other instruments, but also with mathematical and computer models. Astronomers therefore make heavy use of physics, mathematics, and computer science.

Equipment used ranges from radio telescopes the size of the Earth and high-speed computers to optical telescopes so big a truck could park on the mirror. The discipline ranges over many areas: study of stars - their structure and evolution; study of galaxies - their origin and evolution; cosmology - how the universe originated and how it changes over time; and exo-planets - their discovery and properties.  Astronomers use telescopes covering wavelengths from gamma-rays to radio and high-powered computers to explore these disciplines.   Astronomers also design, build and test sophisticated detection instruments for use on telescopes.