This is the most memorable post in Indi Proff's history, becoz we have a very special guest interview.
This interview is from an elite Astronomy Scientist Arvind Paranjpye , who is a current faculty at Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune.
(Arvind Paranjype is currently Officer for Science Popularization and permanent member of Public Outreach Programs Committee of IUCAA. He has published ten scientific papers and given talks at national and international meetings in India, Japan and Iran.He has been running columns on sky watching and astronomy Q&A for the Times of India, Loksatta and Tarun Bharat and written large number of articles in Marathi and English.He was awarded Astronomical Society of India Medal for discovery of an asteroid.)
" Indi Proff" thanks "Arvind Paranjpye" sir for his valuable interview and the oppurtunity to publish it.
Before we go ahead with his interview a small foreground on Astronomy....
Astronomy is one of the most enthusiastic and admirable field of science. Every human’s favorite childhood topic is sky gazing, extra terrestrial life, space, stars and Earth. Everyone once in a life time would have dreamt of becoming an astronomer and thought of finding extra-terrestrial life. We even follow very seriously and enthusiastically the serials on UFO (unidentified objects) pictured by TV media. Such an interesting subject like this is well nurtured and encouraged by famous Indian scientists, Academicians, Scientific institutes to take up as a career.
Please find below the interview & write up from our Scientist: How to become an Astronomer?(Career in A & A)
1. How and where can one start a career in A & A?
Careers in Astronomy & Astrophysics (A&A) can be broadly divided as Theoretical or Observational. Theoretical research career in A & A typically involves doing a Masters in physics, or Bachelors in Engineering or Technology with thorough basic knowledge in physics and mathematics, joining a suitable institution or university for a Ph.D. programme in A & A, following it up with postdoctoral positions and - finally - obtaining a permanent job.
Leading institutes in India offering Academic programs in Astronomy and Astrophysics are...
Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore (IIA),
IndianInstitute of Science, Bangalore (IISc),
Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune (IUCAA),
Physical Research Laboratory, Ahamedabad (PRL),
Raman Research Institute, Bangalore (RRI) and
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai (TIFR)
National center for Radio Astronomy ,Pune
Harish-Chandra Research Institute, Allahbad (HRI) and
The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai (IMSc)
(last two institutes have graduate students programmes in A & A leading to a Ph.D).
Also we have IIT’s to add to the list.
On the observational side, the scope is somewhat wider because students with engineering degree (or knowledge of computer systems and electronics) are also encouraged to apply for the graduate student's programme in many of the above places. For example, IUCAA takes B.E. and B.Tech students for its graduate school and allows them to do a M.Sc. by research prior to a Ph.D.The scope for experimental astronomy in this country is somewhat limited compared to theoritical, but this situation is likely to change within the next 5 years or so.
2. What qualities one should posses to carry out a career in Astronomy and Astrophysics
The key point to remember is that A & A is a branch of physics and you need to have a strong foundation in physics and mathematics in order to have a successful career in A & A.
Most of the graduate school programs in the leading institutions expect you to be good at physics and mathematics with an aptitude and motivation to do research.The latter is difficult to define but essentially it involves an ability to apply your basic knowledge to unfamiliar areas and come out with logically consistent conclusions. In short, you should be able to think on your own and should be confident in using the basic principles of physics and the techniques of mathematics which you have learnt in any area.
Some entrance exams for this subject
Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) for Ph.D. Programs in Physics / Mathematics / Theoretical Computer Science
3. Job prospects in A & A
As mentioned, one would look for a regular job after one or two post doctoral fellowships. By this time one would have known the possible openings for him or her in both India and abroad. However, any academic institute would look for a bright young person so if one has done a good then there would be plenty of opportunities.
4. Difference between Astronomer and Astronaut
Astronomer is a person who studies the Heavenly Bodies where as astronaut is the one who takes space travel. For an astronaut a basic knowledge of astronomy is sufficient.Presently only USA has on going programme that requires astronauts.
5. Satisfaction in this career at the end of the day
If one is deeply interested in finding the secrets of nature, any scientific career is highly satisfying and rewarding. From the practical point of view, the pay packets and other facilities offered to an astronomer is of good standard, right from the joining an organization, with opportunities to work in a good environment and even travel abroad.
Indi Proff
http://indiproff.blogspot.com/
http://junctiont.blogspot.com/
(some of the data is obtained from IUCAA's public outreach website page with proper permissions)
No comments:
Post a Comment