Astronomers
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
How AI Impacts Each Task
17 tasks analyzed
Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
Raise funds for scientific research.
Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.
Teach astronomy or astrophysics.
Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.
Review scientific proposals and research papers.
Serve on professional panels and committees.
Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation.
Calculate orbits and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies.
Direct the operations of a planetarium.
Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena.
Conduct question and answer presentations on astronomy topics with public audiences.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments. | 53.83Observed | 48.5% | 10% | |
| Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers. | 50.75Observed | 47.3% | 15% | |
| Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers. | 59.88Observed | 51.0% | 10% | |
| Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects. | 25Estimated | 25.0% | 5% | |
| Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals. | 60Observed | 51.0% | 8% | |
| Raise funds for scientific research. | 35Estimated | 29.0% | 5% | |
| Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 5% | |
| Teach astronomy or astrophysics. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 8% | |
| Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis. | 58.98Observed | 50.6% | 8% | |
| Review scientific proposals and research papers. | 51.58Observed | 47.6% | 4% | |
| Serve on professional panels and committees. | 10Estimated | 19.0% | 3% | |
| Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation. | 52.95Observed | 48.2% | 2% | |
| Calculate orbits and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies. | 48.15Observed | 68.5% | 4% | |
| Direct the operations of a planetarium. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 2% | |
| Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues. | 10Estimated | 19.0% | 4% | |
| Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 4% | |
| Conduct question and answer presentations on astronomy topics with public audiences. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 3% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation
University Lectures Chopped Up and Turned Into AI Slop
Arizona State University is beta-testing "ASU Atomic," a tool that automatically slices faculty lectures into short clips to generate learning materials. Educators are raising alarms about their intellectual property being repurposed without consent to automate teaching tasks.
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis