The field of Astronomy/ Astrophysics As the scientific community's understanding of the ways and origins of the universe continue to develop, the work of astronomers and astrophysicists becomes ever more important. In fact, some of the most exciting advances in the sciences in recent years have been in the field of astronomy and astrophysics, including the development of String Theory (which also involves the work of theoretical physicists) and the search for the origins of the universe. Astronomers and astrophysicists are trained in a variety of areas, from measuring stellar radiation to providing statistical analyses of data that has already been collected. An excellent understanding of physics and mathematics is most helpful, as well as a creative yet incisive intellect. Astronomers and astrophysicists work in laboratories, government science agencies, and educational institutions, among other places.