What do astronomers do?

This is a question that has virtually infinite answers.

To me astronomers attempt to understand what else is beyond our own planet and how the universe works.  From the near by celestial bodies such as Earth's neighboring planets to the farthest stars we have yet to see, astronomers have much work ahead of them.

By using telescopes astronomers can study many objects that are very distant from Earth.  And by using satellites and spacecrafts, they can get even closer to the heavenly bodies floating above our heads.

There are so many questions not yet answered:

Is there life outside of our own planet?
How did the universe come to be?
How important is the balance of all the Milky Way planets?
What is the future of the universe?

Through increases in technology humans have become closer to answering questions such as the ones listed.  Just recently the Kepler Mission (launched by NASA) found celestial bodies similar to the size of earth.

These bodies are said to be in the "Goldielocks Zone" cleverly named since the temperature in the region is not too hot and not too cold.  It is topics such as this, that astronomers strive to find more about.

For more information on these new planets click on the link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/nasa-finds-new-planet-kepler-22b-outside-solar-system-with-temperature-right-for-life/2011/12/07/gIQAPfzFdO_story.html

 It is amazing what is so far beyond our vision!  There is so much we humans do not know of and astronomers are working on discovering what else is in the deep space that is so mysterious.