Hey guys this is Youniversity TV and today I'm checking out a career where you get paid to study stars and galaxies, the moon and more. And there's a lot up there. Astronomers use physics and math to study the universe. Dr. Match Galiotche [assumed spelling] is particularly interested in learning about both the gases between stars and between galaxies. 

We know very little about the [inaudible] gas and that's what we are trying to study. 

But you will, you'll know eventually. Dr. Galiotche designs detectors that have launched into space to collect data. 

For me it was the [inaudible] going [inaudible] and launch a rocket. There's nothing that is more fun than being there for two weeks where he goes by you with the Navy people, with the Nasa people putting together this rocket and then be there to watch it to launch. And then once [inaudible] see your [inaudible] coming down [inaudible]. This is the rocket that's [inaudible] dimensions. 

Ah, and, and you were there? 

Yeah I am one of the people somewhere in there. 

All astronomers can conduct research. If you work at a college or university you might also teach courses. 

It's going to equal to one half, half square [inaudible]. 

Dr. Galiotche is a faculty member at the University of Miami. 

You spend most of your time and do research. On the other hand you have a chance to interact both [inaudible] that help in your work and you have a chance to train them, you know, and teach them. And you also have interaction I like with the undergrad students. 

Astronomers can also work for the government or in a research lab. 

Before coming here I was working at the Nasa facility in Maryland. 

How many hours do you put in a work, in a work week. 

Uh, it varies. Actually that's the other thing I like about this job. It's not a nine to five job. 

Well the hours are flexible, you'll clock at least 40 hours a week. Most astronomers spend their work days in labs and offices. How do they go about getting your job? 

Yeah the classes that you need very straightforward, many [inaudible] straightforward, it's a, first you need to go to grad school. So, you know, you go to college and you get the degree probably either in physics or astronomy depends on the college you go to and then you have five years of [inaudible], five years of grad school. 

Post [inaudible] training is the next step to securing a facility or scientist position. Then ca-ching. On average you'll earn $90,000 a year and once you start your own research, you'll also earn a sense of accomplishment. 

You'll discover something new and your [inaudible] want to do. 

There are a limited number of jobs for astronomers. So to get the chance to do ground breaking research, you'll have to top the competition. 

You need to know some programming skills. 

Besides being computer savvy, you need to be analytical, inquisitive and good with numbers. Here's an equation for you, one day on Venus is equal to 243 days on earth. That's one long day. Ready to explore the universe? If so, you might be [inaudible] for astronomy. I'm Shaina [assumed spelling] see you guys next time. 

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