All hold doctoral degrees and publish articles in major astronomical journals. In addition, there are several adjunct faculty. The Mount Laguna Observatory is devoted to research in optical astronomy, the training of observational astronomers at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and to public education. The Observatory has three modern research telescopes. With over 40 computers, including a main computer operating as a server to seven Sunsparc stations and 15 Pentiums, the department has excellent computing facilities.
Students thus receive excellent training with the most modern equipment.
Career Opportunities Graduates with a bachelor's degree may find positions in observatories, large astronomy departments, and industry. These jobs support continuing research and include telescope operators, instrument makers, opticians, electronics technicians, programmers, and laboratory technicians. Employment opportunities for astronomers who have advanced degrees include positions in colleges and universities, in national observatories and government laboratories, in planetariums, and in industry and private companies. To further explore career options in this field, visit the Career Services Website. In addition to sharing an interest in science, many astronomers share an interest in reading science fiction books and seeing science fiction motion pictures.