Expert: Steven LJ Russo - 10/17/2004

Question
Hey i'm in grade 10 and have a careers project to do and have 6 little questions and hope you can answer them.
1. how much money do you make in a year in general?
2. do you travel for this job and if so were?
3. what problems do astronomers face when their hands are needed? (hands-on jobs)
4. what level of university or college do you have? (diploma in somthing or masters, bachlors)
5. how much vacation time do you have?
6. what got you interested in this job?
Thanks a lot for your time!
If you can't answer these questions can you tell me where i can interview some one who can? thanks!

Answer
1. salaries for astronomers can be in a wide range depanding on whether you work in an observatory, planetarium, or in a school.  A range would be 40,000 - 65,000

2.I go to planetarium conferences once a year.  Have been to Pittsburgh, Richmond, Long Island, Boston, mostly on the east coast.

3.As an astronomer in a planetarium, I have to repair equipment, do photography, mount photographic slides, etc.

4. I have a masters degree in science education.

5. I have two weeks vacation time this year.

6. I got interested in astronomy and planetariums when my Mom and Dad took me to a planetarium when I was 5 years old. I am 49 now.

Steve

http://www.look-to-the-skies.com