In observational astronomy, your duties might include:

• collecting and analysing data from satellites and spacecraft
• exploring space using radio and optical telescopes
• designing new instruments and maintaining existing equipment
• developing software to interpret images and data captured by satellites

In theoretical astronomy, your duties may include:

• creating computer models to test theories about processes happening in space
• analysing the results of past observations to make new predictions
• making observations and developing theories
• analysing data to help build our understanding of events in the universe

You could work in an observatory, in a laboratory or at a university.

With experience, you could move into related careers like aerospace or satellite research and development.

You could also use your skills in systems analysis, software engineering, teaching, scientific journalism or accountancy.