This is a fun thought experiment! While astronomers don't literally "read" messages from space in the traditional sense, they do use their instruments to gather data and interpret it. Here are four things they do to "read" the universe:

1. Observe: Astronomers use telescopes (radio, optical, infrared, etc.) to collect data from the universe. This data can come in the form of light (photons), radio waves, or other forms of electromagnetic radiation.

2. Analyze: This data is then analyzed using complex software and algorithms to identify patterns, frequencies, and other characteristics.

3. Interpret: Astronomers use their knowledge of physics, astrophysics, and astronomy to interpret the analyzed data. They try to understand what the data reveals about celestial objects, their composition, their movement, and their evolution.

4. Communicate: Finally, astronomers share their findings with the scientific community through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and other channels. This allows for collaboration and verification of findings.

So, while we don't have aliens sending us text messages, astronomers are constantly "reading" the universe to uncover its secrets!