I want to be an astronomer/astrophysicist, but where do I start?
I want to be an astronomer/astrophysicist, but where do I start?
Check out So you want to be an astronomer by Yvette Cendes, and the updated version, which is a really useful resource. However, it may be a bit specific to the US/European context. In India, there isn’t a BSc in Astronomy yet, but don’t worry! You can still build your path towards a career in astronomy.
Many students who have studied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or materials engineering have gone on to pursue PhDs in Astronomy. What matters most are the skills you learn along the way. For example, programming and data analysis are very useful. Doing summer internships can also give you good experience and help you explore your interests as well as build your network.
Scroll down to see where you can find some internship opportunities!
Summer Schools/Internships
Apply for a summer school at MP Birla Institute of Fundamental Research in Bangalore - for all ages. Children as young as twelve years old would attend some of the sessions.
Attend public seminars at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAp) Bangalore and get in touch with the research staff to work on a project with them. They also conduct workshops for students over the summer - email the staff to know what's on offer that year.
Visiting student programme at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bangalore
International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) Bangalore conducts really interesting Summer Courses as well as Long Term Visiting Students Programme
Visiting student programme at NCRA, Pune. They also conduct Summer Schools. See other programmes here.
Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune offers an Introductory Summer School in astronomy and astrophysics. They also offer programmes for school students here
For advanced undergraduate or graduate students (BSc as well as engineering), check out various Students Programme at IUCAA Pune
Across India: Indian Academy Science Summer Research Fellowship Program
For undergraduates, Dorrit Hoffleit Undergraduate Research Scholarship at Yale University, USA
For more general physics programmes, check out the Summer Research Programs
The REAP programme at Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium. If you're in class 3-5, check out the SEED programme and SOW programme if you're in high school.
Look out for research assistant positions at the RRI. These are usually open to MSc students.
Next step : Masters/PhD in Astronomy
Check out this fantastic list of Astronomy Masters/PhDs in India put together by Dr Asmita Bhandare
For an astronomy PhD programme, check out the JAP - jointly run by IIAp, RRI and ISRO.
Resources for Early Career Researchers, compiled by Dr Floor Broekgaarden
Resource for when applying to a PhD program, Applying for PhD positions in Astronomy & Astrophysics, by a list of incredible co-authors.
Look out for PhD calls on AAS Job Register or EAS Job Directory
For students interested in Astrobiology, see Amity Centre of Excellence in Astrobiology
Specifically for (Indian) women
Mentorship programme led by Michelle Lochner, Supernova Foundation (I highly recommend it, I'm still in touch with my mentor after 7+ years!)
If you're a woman of Indian origin in cosmology/astronomy, join our group, CARINA. Subscribe to the newsletter here, and get in touch with me to join the Whatsapp group / Slack channel or send an email to carina.cosmoastrow[at]gmail.com. This is an initiative led by Prakrithi PalChoudhury. See a list of current members here.
ICTS in Bangalore organises Summer School for Women in Physics every year, you can find details about it along with other interesting courses here .
Job opportunities
For astronomy jobs in India, check out ASI Job Directory
For jobs across the world, check out AAS Job Register
For jobs in Europe, check EAS Job Directory
(Funded) internship opportunities outside India
LEAPS summer programme, Leiden, Netherlands
Young Scientist Programme at the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, Washington USA
Summer Internships abroad - This is a really nice list of available opportunities, but bear in mind that not all of them are open to Indian citizens and may not be fully funded either
The ASPIRE program at UvA Amsterdam
Scholarships to study abroad (list in progress – more coming soon!)
DAAD Scholarship, Germany, you can find the database here
The Inlaks Scholarship for universities across the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States of America
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for Master's degree in Europe
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), Netherlands
Commonwealth Scholarships to study in the UK
Chevening Scholarship to study in the UK
Other resources
If you're interested in astrobiology, check out IARF Mumbai
Ask An Astronomer, first Sunday of every month at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bangalore
Learn about really interesting topics in astronomy and physics organised by AstronEra here. AstronEra is an initiative run by Shweta Kulkarni, a really inspiring Astropreneur.
You can visit the Ooty Radio Telescope (ORT), see details here.
Learn more about the Vainu Bappu Observatory here.
In general, it is a good idea to send an email to professors at universities in your city to ask if they have small projects you can help with.
Amateur Astronomy Clubs / Associations
If you're interested in astrophotography, observing with your own telescope, or working with a group of amateur astronomers, check out some really cool clubs below (list to be updated):
Hi! My name is Shravya and I’m an Indian astronomy PhD student currently based in the UK. I tried to pull together some links and programs for students interested in astronomy, specifically for Indian students on this webpage. It is by no means an exhaustive list - if you know of other opportunities or want to suggest edits, feel free to get in touch! Click here >