• Physicists and astronomers conduct research to understand the nature of the universe and everything in it.
• These scientists observe, measure, interpret, and develop theories to explain celestial and physical phenomena using mathematics.
• From the vastness of space to the infinitesimal scale of subatomic particles, they study the fundamental properties of the natural world and apply the knowledge gained to design new technologies.
• Physicists explore and identify basic principles and laws governing the motion, energy, structure, and interactions of matter.
• Some physicists study theoretical areas, such as the nature of time and the origin of the universe; others apply their knowledge of physics to practical areas, such as the development of advanced materials, electronic and optical devices, and medical equipment.
• Physicists design and perform experiments with sophisticated equipment such as lasers, particle accelerators, electron microscopes, and mass spectrometers.
• On the basis of their observations and analysis, they attempt to discover and explain laws describing the forces of nature, such as gravity, electromagnetism, and nuclear interactions.
• Experiments also help physicists find ways to apply physical laws and theories to problems in nuclear energy, electronics, optics, materials, communications, aerospace technology, and medical instrumentation.
• Astronomers use the principles of physics and mathematics to learn about the fundamental nature of the universe and its components, including the sun, moon, planets, stars, and galaxies.
• As such, astronomy is sometimes considered a subfield of physics. They also apply their knowledge to solve problems in navigation, space flight, and satellite communications and to develop the instrumentation and techniques used to observe and collect astronomical data.
• Most physicists and astronomers work in research and development. Some conduct basic research with the sole aim of increasing scientific knowledge.
• Others conduct applied research and development, which builds upon the discoveries made through basic research to develop practical applications of this knowledge, such as new devices, products, and processes.
• For example, knowledge gained through basic research in solid-state physics led to the development of transistors and, then, integrated circuits used in computers.
• Physicists also design research equipment, which often has additional unanticipated uses.
• For example, lasers are used in surgery, microwave devices function in ovens, and measuring instruments can analyze blood or the chemical content of foods.
• A small number of physicists work in inspection, testing, quality control, and other production-related jobs in industry.
• Much physics research is done in small or medium-sized laboratories.
• However, experiments in plasma, nuclear, and high-energy physics, as well as in some other areas of physics, require extremely large and expensive equipment, such as particle accelerators and nuclear reactors.
• Physicists in these subfields often work in large teams.
• Although physics research may require extensive experimentation in laboratories, research physicists still spend much time in offices planning, recording, analyzing, and reporting on research.
• Physicists generally specialize in one of many subfields, such as elementary particle physics, nuclear physics, atomic and molecular physics, condensed matter physics, optics, acoustics, space physics, or plasma physics. Some specialize in a subdivision of one of these subfields.
• For example, within condensed-matter physics, specialties include superconductivity, crystallography, and semiconductors.
• However, all physics involves the same fundamental principles, so specialties may overlap, and physicists may switch from one subfield to another.
• Also, growing numbers of physicists work in interdisciplinary fields, such as biophysics, chemical physics, and geophysics.
• Almost all astronomers do research.
  • Some are theoreticians, working on the laws governing the structure and evolution of astronomical objects.
  • Others analyze large quantities of data gathered by observatories and satellites and write scientific papers or reports on their findings.
  • Some astronomers actually operate large space-based or ground-based telescopes, usually as part of a team.
  • However, astronomers may spend only a few weeks each year making observations with optical telescopes, radio telescopes, and other instruments.
• For many years, satellites and other space-based instruments, such as the Hubble space telescope, have provided prodigious amounts of astronomical data.
• New technology has lead to improvements in analytical techniques and instruments, such as computers and optical telescopes and mounts, and is creating resurgence in ground-based research.
• A small number of astronomers work in museums housing planetariums. These astronomers develop and revise programs presented to the public and may direct planetarium operations.

• Federal research expenditures are the major source of physics-related and astronomy-related research funds, especially for basic research.
• Although research and development expenditures in private industry will continue to grow, many research laboratories in private industry are expected to continue to reduce basic research, which includes much physics research, in favor of applied or manufacturing research and product and software development.
• Nevertheless, people with a physics background continue to be in demand in information technology, semiconductor technology, and other applied sciences.
• This trend is expected to continue; however, many of the new workers will have job titles such as computer software engineer, computer programmer, or systems analyst or developer, rather than physicist.
• In recent years the number of doctorates granted in physics has been somewhat greater than the number of job openings for traditional physics research positions in colleges and universities and in research centres.
• However, demand has grown in other related occupations for those with advanced training in physics. Prospects should be favorable for physicists in applied research, development, and related technical fields.
• Opportunities should also be numerous for those with a master's degree, particularly graduates from programs preparing students for related work in applied research and development, product design, and manufacturing positions in private industry.
• Many of these positions, however, will have titles other than physicist, such as engineer or computer scientist.
• People with only a bachelor's degree in physics or astronomy are usually not qualified for physics or astronomy research jobs, but they may qualify for a wide range of positions related to engineering, mathematics, computer science, environmental science, and some non-science fields, such as finance.
• Despite competition for traditional physics and astronomy research jobs, graduates with a physics or astronomy degree at any level will find their knowledge of science and mathematics useful for entry into many other occupations.

The work of physicists and astronomers relates closely to that of other physical scientists and engineers, such as Atmospheric scientists; Chemists and material scientists; Engineering and natural sciences managers; Engineers; Environmental scientists and specialists; Geoscientists and hydrologists.

Physicists and astronomers also work extensively with computers and data, similar to the work of Computer scientists; Computer software engineers and computer programmers; Computer system analysts; Mathematicians; Statisticians.

• Master's degree in Physics
• Ph.D. in Physics