Astronomers research the formation, structures, properties, and development of celestial bodies and interstellar matter. They use ground-based equipment and space-based equipment to collect data about the space for research purposes.

Tasks

Tasks include -
(a) Conducting research and improving or developing concepts, theories, instrumentation, software and operational methods related to physics and astronomy;
(b) Conducting experiments, tests and analyses on the structure and properties of matter in fields such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electronics, communications, power generation and distribution, aerodynamics, optics and lasers, remote sensing, medicine, sonics, magnetism, and nuclear physics;
(c) Evaluating results of investigations and experiments and expressing conclusions, mainly using mathematical techniques and models;
(d) Applying principles, techniques and processes to develop or improve industrial, medical, military and other practical applications of the principles and techniques of physics or astronomy;
(e) Ensuring the safe and effective delivery of radiation (ionising and non-ionising) to patients to achieve a diagnostic or therapeutic result as prescribed by a medical practitioner;
(f) Ensuring the accurate measurement and characterization of physical quantities used in medical applications;
(g) Testing, commissioning and evaluating equipment used in applications such as imaging, medical treatment and dosimetry;
(h) Advising and consulting with medical practitioners and other health care professionals in optimizing the balance between the beneficial and deleterious effects of radiation;
(i) Observing, analysing and interpreting celestial phenomena and developing methods, numerical models and techniques to extend knowledge of fields such as navigation, satellite communication, space exploration, celestial bodies and cosmic radiation;
(j) Developing, implementing and maintaining standards and protocols for the measurement of physical phenomena and for the use of nuclear technology in industrial and medical applications;
(k) Preparing scientific papers and reports.