| The stars have always been a fascinating subject. | | | | role in observing and discovering what is referred to |
| Perhaps that's one reason why astronomy is so | | | | as transient phenomena. |
| popular these days. | | | | With the dawn of the 20th century, Astronomy was |
| In essence, Astronomy isn't just about studying | | | | divided into two sciences. These are observational |
| stars, as most people think. It's actually a study of | | | | astronomy and theoretical astrophysics. The first one |
| celestial objects, which includes not only stars but | | | | is concerned with getting data and this involves |
| also planets, comets and entire galaxies. In fact, | | | | building and maintaining a host of different |
| Astronomy also studies different phenomena that | | | | instruments as well as processing the results of the |
| come from outside of the earth's atmosphere, such | | | | data it acquires. There are some who refer to this |
| as auroras and cosmic background radiation. | | | | branch of science as "astrometry" or simply as |
| In addition, Astronomy, is concerned with a host of | | | | "astronomy". On the other hand, theoretical |
| other sciences, including physics, evolution, chemistry, | | | | astrophysics has to do with ascertaining the |
| how celestial objects move and how the universe | | | | implications that can be observed through a |
| was formed and developed. Scientists routinely use | | | | computer or through analytical models. |
| Astronomy to test some of the most fundamental | | | | There are those who confuse modern astronomy |
| theories in physics, such as general relativity. In | | | | with astrology but they are two very different |
| attempting to explain astronomical phenomena, | | | | things. Astrology revolves around a belief system |
| astronomy joins hands with astrophysics. | | | | that presupposes that the different positions of |
| Overall, Astronomy is among the oldest sciences | | | | celestial objects have a direct bearing on human |
| known to mankind. Records show that there were | | | | affairs. In a nutshell, it is fortune telling with the aid of |
| astronomers dating back to the days of ancient | | | | the stars. Astronomy and astrology obviously share |
| Greece and India. This is probably where advanced | | | | the same common origins but most scientists and |
| observation techniques originated. In addition, the | | | | other knowledgeable observers know that both fields |
| scientific history of man shows how many amateur | | | | are clearly distinct. |
| astronomers have contributed and played an active | | | | |