Astronomy

Laser Towards Milky Ways Centre

SLNSW 479519 16 Observatory SH 198

Quito Observatory

Planisphæri cœleste

Suryaprajnapati Sutra

Astronomy is the scientific study of celestial objects (such as stars, planets, comets, nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies) and phenomena that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere (such as the cosmic background radiation). It is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects, as well as the formation and development of the universe.

Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences. Early civilizations, including the Babylonians, Greeks, Indians, Egyptians, Nubians, Iranians, Chinese, and Maya, performed methodical observations of the night sky for religious and ceremonial purposes and to navigate and predict the occurrence of seasons. Today, astronomy is divided into several branches: observational astronomy and theoretical astronomy. Observational astronomy focuses on acquiring and analyzing data, using basic principles of physics. Theoretical astronomy aims to explain observational results and predict what might happen. Both branches complement each other, with theoretical astronomy seeking to explain the observational results, and observations being used to confirm theoretical results.

Branches of Astronomy

Astronomy is a broad discipline that can be divided into several branches:

• Astrophysics: The branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including the physical properties (luminosity, density, temperature, and chemical composition) of celestial bodies.
• Celestial Mechanics: The study of the motions and gravitational forces of celestial objects.
• Cosmology: The study of the universe as a whole, including its origins, evolution, and ultimate fate.
• Exoplanetology: The study of planets outside our solar system.
• Stellar Astronomy: The study of stars, including their formation, evolution, and death.
• Galactic Astronomy: The study of our galaxy, the Milky Way, and its structure and components.
• Extragalactic Astronomy: The study of objects beyond our galaxy, including other galaxies and galaxy clusters.

Observational Astronomy

Observational astronomy uses telescopes and other astronomical instruments to observe celestial objects. Major areas of focus include:

• Optical Astronomy: The study of celestial objects in the visible spectrum.
• Radio Astronomy: The study of celestial objects in the radio frequency spectrum.
• Infrared Astronomy: The study of celestial objects in the infrared spectrum.
• Ultraviolet Astronomy: The study of celestial objects in the ultraviolet spectrum.
• X-ray Astronomy: The study of celestial objects in the X-ray spectrum.
• Gamma-ray Astronomy: The study of celestial objects in the gamma-ray spectrum.

Theoretical Astronomy

Theoretical astronomy involves the development of computer or analytical models to describe astronomical objects and phenomena. The goals are to explain existing observations and predict new phenomena. Theories of stellar evolution, galaxy formation, cosmology, and dark matter are examples of the work in this field.

Importance of Astronomy

Astronomy has contributed to many important discoveries and technologies. For example, the understanding of gravity was significantly advanced by the work of astronomers. Astronomy also plays a crucial role in the development of calendars, the understanding of Earth's place in the universe, and the development of navigation techniques and technology. Furthermore, it continues to contribute to our understanding of fundamental physics through observations of extreme conditions in space.

See Also

• History of Astronomy
• Amateur Astronomy
• Space Exploration
• Astrobiology