“To command the professors of astronomy to confute their own observations is to enjoin an impossibility, for it is to command them to not see what they do see, and not to understand what they do understand, and to find what they do not discover.”
– Galileo Galile

Almost all astronomers do research. Some are theoreticians who work 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 on their findings.

Some astronomers operate large space- or ground-based
telescopes, usually as part of a team. A small number of astronomers work in
planetariums. Most students who are serious about becoming research astronomers
go on to earn doctoral degrees.

There is no major or minor in Astronomy at UIS. Independent study in astronomy is available to upper-classmen who excell in science and mathematics. Applied study and independent research are also available. Chemistry majors can earn credit toward their major for independent astronomy research.