# The Astronomer — Short Science Fiction character guide

> The Astronomer in Short Science Fiction by Isaac Asimov.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** II The Astronomer

**First appearance:** 0000-the-magnificent-possession

## Who they are

A character identified as an astronomer.

## Relationships

### [The Industrialist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/the_industrialist)

_rivalry_

The Astronomer and The Industrialist represent opposing worldviews, likely clashing over the use of science versus profit.

### [Red](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/red)

_friendship_

Red and The Astronomer are allies, with Red likely assisting or protecting the Astronomer in a conflict involving cosmic or scientific threats.

### [Slim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/slim)

_friendship_

Slim and The Astronomer are companions, with Slim possibly serving as a protector or confidant to the scientist.

### [Red](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/red)

_friendship_

Red and The Astronomer are allies, with Red likely assisting or protecting the Astronomer in a conflict involving cosmic or scientific threats.

### [The Industrialist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/the_industrialist)

_rivalry_

The Astronomer and The Industrialist represent opposing worldviews, likely clashing over the use of science versus profit.

### [The Industrialist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/the_industrialist)

_rivalry_

The Astronomer and The Industrialist represent opposing worldviews, likely clashing over the use of science versus profit.

### [Slim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/slim)

_friendship_

Slim and The Astronomer are companions, with Slim possibly serving as a protector or confidant to the scientist.

### [Slim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/slim)

_friendship_

Slim and The Astronomer are companions, with Slim possibly serving as a protector or confidant to the scientist.

### [Red](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/red)

_friendship_

Red and The Astronomer are allies, with Red likely assisting or protecting the Astronomer in a conflict involving cosmic or scientific threats.

## In the story

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/ii)

Argues for embracing alien technology to reverse societal decline, reveals the aliens want coal and oil, and worries about his son's city-bred nature.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/iv)

Accompanies the Industrialist to investigate the noise near the hill.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/v)

Defends the aliens, explaining their peaceful nature and the scientific evidence supporting their claims.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/vii)

Bitterly laments the loss of the alien ship and its crew; later intervenes to remind the Industrialist about Slim's earlier question about animal diets.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/viii)

Reprimands Slim for being late and insists he take his seat, showing a manufactured gentleness with an edge.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/x)

Advises quiet burial, then deduces the creatures may be aliens and insists on investigating the barn.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/xi)

Facilitates the telepathic communication, explaining the aliens' perspective and how to think at them.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/xii)

Confirms the ship will fly and comments on the spirit of youth.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/the_astronomer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters