A "senior astronomer" refers to an experienced and knowledgeable scientist who specializes in studying celestial objects like stars, planets, and galaxies. They have higher expertise and often hold a senior position in their field. Full definition
7 Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at SETI, for reasons best known to him, reckons that the 350 - antenna Allen Telescope Array, now being built, «will trip across a signal by the year 2025.» (discovermagazine.com)
At issue is a project that emerged in 2015, when the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) set up a Center for Astronomical Mega-Science that polled senior astronomers on their priorities. (sciencemag.org)
One more thing he has learned while working by the side of more senior astronomers is to restrain his ambitions. (sciencemag.org)