What does a Research Scientist do? What they do is they analyze cosmic data, develop theories, design experiments (often using probes/telescopes), and publish findings to expand understanding of the universe, celestial bodies, and space phenomena. They apply physics, chemistry, and geology to study everything from distant galaxies to planetary atmospheres. A well known space scientist by the name "Neil DeGrasse Tyson" popularized space science thanks to him it is known. Yes it was already known but he mangaged to enagage people into space science he helped popularize it with things such books as The Pluto Files (2009) and through his frequent appearances on television as a talk show guest or hosting his series about science, Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014).
"VISIONS: Seeing the Aurora in a New Light" by NASA Goddard Photo and Video is licensed under CC BY 2.0.