Astrophysicists

Astrophysicists generally work regular hours in laboratories, observatories, or classrooms. However, some research may require them to work extended or irregular hours. A research deadline or a celestial event such as a meteor shower or asteroid may require extra hours or overnight observation. Some travel may be required, such as to an observatory with a needed piece of equipment or to a conference or training. The astrophysicist's employer generally pays for the travel. Astrophysicists work with other highly educated professionals, such as mathematicians, astronomers, and other scientists. The work environment can be competitive and sometimes political because these professionals often compete for the same limited resources.