For Teachers

My job

Solar physicist and public engagement fellow.

My job

Professor of Astrophysics, Head of Astronomy and Exoplanet investigator at the Open University. Also includes — Keeping teaching, research & admin balls in the air. Sitting at a computer. Feeding ideas & data to research students. Reading and writing.

Here at the RAS we have worked to create a brand new careers booklet highlighting the skills you get from studying astronomy and geophysics, and opportunities in and away from the space industry. The careers booklet also contains some excellent case studies, and more can be found on our careers pages.

If you would like hard copies of the careers booklets please get in touch with the Education and Outreach team.

If you are interested in pursuing astronomy or geophysics as a career a good starting place is to get an undergraduate degree. Undergraduate degrees in Physics with a focus on Astronomy or Geophysics topics, Earth Science, Environmental Geology, Astrophysics, Geology, Geoscience, Space Science, Planetary Science, Engineering etc. can help you build your career and provide a solid foundation. But which university is best for you?

Astronomers use scientific techniques to study the origin and make-up of stars, planets, galaxies and other celestial bodies, as well as the origin and structure of the Universe in general.

Geophysicists apply physics concepts and techniques to study the gravitational, magnetic and electric fields of the Earth and further our knowledge of both the planet’s interior and surface.

There are various ways that students can get involved with real astronomy projects using actual data.

If you are in a school you can work with the Institute for Research in Schools, do an EPQ.

Anyone can take part in some citizen science such as Galaxy Zoo.

There are many other ways you can get involved, and some useful links are listed below:

The Solar Eclipse Role Play resource can be found here.

The maths of a solar eclipse teacher resource can be found here.

The Education and Outreach team at the RAS are qualified teachers and experts in astronomy and geophysics.

This means we are able to offer teachers a variety of resources and services free of charge.

Some of the things we can provide include:

The Solar eclipse worksheet (age 11–14) can be found here.