An astronomer is a scientist who studies the universe beyond Earth. They explore celestial objects like stars, planets, and galaxies to understand how they form, evolve, and interact. Astronomers use powerful telescopes and other tools to gather data, helping us learn more about the cosmos and our place in it. Many astronomers specialize in different areas, such as astrophysics, which focuses on the physical properties of celestial bodies, or planetary science, which studies planets and their moons. Their discoveries can reveal the mysteries of the universe, from the origins of black holes to the potential for life on other planets.