Editing Astronomer (section)

==Types==
Astronomers typically fall under either of two main types: [[observational astronomy|observational]] and [[theoretical astronomy|theoretical]]. Observational astronomers make direct [[observation]]s of [[Astronomical object|celestial objects]] and analyze the data. In contrast, theoretical astronomers create and investigate [[Conceptual model|model]]s of things that cannot be observed. Because it takes millions to billions of years for a system of stars or a galaxy to complete a life cycle, astronomers must observe snapshots of different systems at unique points in their evolution to determine how they form, evolve, and die. They use this data to create models or [[simulation]]s to theorize how different celestial objects work.

Further subcategories under these two main [[branches of science|branches]] of astronomy include [[Planetary science|planetary astronomy]], [[astrobiology]], [[stellar astronomy]], [[astrometry]], [[galactic astronomy]], [[extragalactic astronomy]], or [[physical cosmology]]. Astronomers can also specialize in certain specialties of observational astronomy, such as [[infrared astronomy]], [[neutrino astronomy]], [[x-ray astronomy]], and [[gravitational-wave astronomy]].