If the stars, constellations, planets, and other heavenly bodies fascinate beyond the norm, and you cannot think of anywhere else you would rather be than in a place where all they do is study the outer space, then you have one of the many characteristics of what an astronomer should be. But what really is astronomy?
If you are interested and you want to be an expert in anything that has to do with celestial bodies, their behavior, origins, and patterns, then you are engrossed with astronomy. Unequivocal love for objects in outer space is what you require to get into astronomy. Not only knowledge but proficiency in Physics and Chemistry is also what they require to get into astronomy, the reason being unlike other fields of science, there is no direct contact with the focus of study. You cannot examine heavenly objects and planets in the comfort of the laboratory. You would not be able to cut, touch, smell, weigh, or at least conduct an experiment on comets and other orbiting materials. Inferences and learning are achieved through indirect observation, for instance, monitoring the light that they emit, and calculating and assessing their motions. More than likely, there is always a pattern in their movement, and then you can now create calculated assumptions. That is what you require to get into astronomy. And it does not stop once you have formed a hypothesis on a celestial object's movements. You now begin to test your predictions by gathering more data and matching it with your hypothesis.
You may have this misconception that astronomers observe through the telescope all day. The truth is, most of an astronomer's day is spent on examining and scrutinizing of figures and statistics using the computer. And some hours are spent in meetings comparing notes with fellow astronomers. And of course, most astronomers, being experts in their field, are professors in colleges and universities, hence, some of their time is spent in the preparation of lesson plans.
Possessing an immense observation talent is what you require to get into astronomy. Not only that, being able to thresh out the most important facts on what you observed and creating sense from what you saw is imperative. Patience is a virtue an astronomer should have. Results from experiments may sometimes takes years and some even decades. Good communication skills as also vital in the dissemination of facts gathered, because that would also be vital in the continuance of tests and experiments.
For those who would like to discover more about astronomy and telescopes: astronomy information
