Yahoo Finance What is an astrophysicist, and how much do they earn?
The Bachelor Australia premiered Wednesday night to rapturous audiences, but left some questions on viewers' lips: what exactly is an astrophysicist, and why did all the women on the show have trouble pronouncing it?
While it’s difficult to answer why some women found the word ‘astrophysicist’ difficult to say, we do know what Bachelor Matt Agnew does in his role as an astrophysicist.
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According to Swinburne University, an astrophysicist is a person who attempts to understand the universe, including its planets, galaxies and stars.
Fellow astrophysicist Dr Rebecca Allen says those in this job seek to find answers to the universe’s big questions.
“For as long as we have looked up in the night sky, we have always wondered what is out there, how does it work and what does it mean,” says Dr Allen.
“Astrophysicists seek the answer to these questions about our universe and help us understand our place in it.”
“That’s why astrophysics is something that is core to us human beings because ultimately we are part of the universe, so we want to know more about our place in it.”
For the record, Bachelor Matt Agnew’s branch of astrophysics focuses on other planets.
“My specific research is about planetary science, so the stuff I’m doing is trying to figure out where another planet like Earth could exist, so we could actually look and find it," he told 10 Daily.
And according to Agnew’s LinkedIn, he’s currently a PhD candidate.
Okay, what’s astrology then?
Astrology is the study of the movements of the planets and stars, and astrologers attempt to find meaning and a relationship between those movements and the feelings of humans living on earth under those movements.
Astrology is the belief in the star signs, like Pisces, Aries, Libra and - yes - Gemini.
While popular, astrology isn’t considered a science.
What does it take to be an astrophysicist?
To become an astrophysicist you need to complete an undergraduate degree in physics, followed by an honours year and then your PhD.
“Once you have a PhD, you're on your way to a research career,” astrophysicist and University of Queensland professor Tamara Davis said.
“Typically there are a few more steps in the chain before you get a permanent job.”
The first will be in postdoctoral research, when scientists do a large bulk of research. These jobs usually last for up to four years before permanent positions come knocking.
What does an astrophysicist earn?
According to SalariesHub, the minimum salary earned by an astrophysicist is a solid $105,925, but these scientists can make up to $189,240.
Lecturing in astrophysics can score scientists up to $111,607 plus 17 per cent superannuation at the University of Queensland, while postdoctoral research fellows will earn between $67,542 to $113,728.
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