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The Question
(Submitted September 02, 1997)
Who (other than NASA) employs high-energy astrophysicists?
The Answer
High energy astrophysicists produce new knowledge that then becomes
freely accessible to all once it is is published. The production of
this new knowledge is considered a 'public good' (to use an economics
term) and is therefore funded by the federal government (and the
governments of many other countries). This is the case with all of
astrophysics and most-all basic research. High energy astrophysics, in
particular, is funded in the United States primarily through NASA
because the telescopes must be located in space, for the reasons
explained at the web site you were browsing
(http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov).
As far as actual jobs go, there are many high energy astrophysicists
scattered in the physics and astronomy departments of colleges and
universities across the nation. The Smithsonian Astrophysical
Observatory in Cambridge, MA, in addition, hires quite a number of High
Energy Astrophysicists. But, the gist of your question is basically
correct, regardless of where we reside most-all research in high energy
astrophysics is supported by NASA and its counterparts in other
countries.
As it turns out, the freedom to study fascinating phenomena is
attractive enough that many more young astrophysicists are produced
then there are permanent jobs for. The problem is not as extreme as in
the arts and professional sports, but it still poses a problem for the
newly minted Ph.D. However, unlike many other overly-sought
professions, the skills one develops while studying astrophysics are
highly transferable to the private sector -- especially the rapidly
growing high-tech industry. In fact, these careers are often just as
challenging, and much more lucrative, than those actually studying
far-away objects.
In short, if you are thinking of a career in astrophysics (or you are
advising somebody who is) and are worried about the job opportunities,
you are right to be. On the other hand, a degree in astrophysics is
excellent preparation for the modern working world --- and you get to
study the wonders of the Universe along the way!
Jonathan Keohane
for Ask an Astrophysicist
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