Astronomy is the natural science of studying objects and phenomena located outside the Earth's atmosphere. Stars, planets, comets, asteroids, meteors, nebulae as well as other galaxies are studied by Astronomers, both professional and amateur alike, that use a wide range of instruments and technology to make determinations regarding the density and chemical composition of these objects, as well as their relative distance from Earth. Astronomy is without a doubt one the oldest sciences known to man. Our earliest ancestors were fascinated with the celestial objects that were visible in the night sky, so much so that they developed navigational skills that used star locations as a means to guide them from one place to another.
Astronomy shouldn't be confused with Astrology, although they both have similar origins, they involve completely different theories and beliefs. Astrology deals with the belief that the positions of celestial objects has a direct impact on human affairs, whereas Astronomy studies the evolution and formation of the entire universe, namely the birth of a star or planet, how it was created, what the chemical composition of the object is, as well as the orbital motion it maintains in conjunction with other objects in the same galaxy.
Ancient early civilizations that began studying Astronomy were only able to observe and predict the motions of celestial objects that they could see with the unaided human eye. This process was normally carried out from positions considered advantageous, such as the top of a mountain or the highest building. Since the telescope had yet to be invented some of these civilizations actually erected enormous observatories that they used not only for astronomical purposes but for ceremonies as well. The monuments they erected were also used to determine the upcoming changes in the seasons, indicating at what times of the year crops should be planted or prepare to be harvested.
For the most part early Astronomers were only concerned with the mapping of stars and planets. It wasn't until the construction of astronomical observatories that ideas regarding the evolution of the universe were first postulated and explored. Some of the earliest beliefs revolved around the theory that the Earth was at the center of the galaxy and that all of the stars and planets were placed in orbit around it. This theory is referred to as the Ptolemaic system, which depicts a geocentric model of the universe using the Earth as the center point.
Astronomy in the modern age involves the study of unique objects such as quasars, pulsars, neutron stars and the infamous black hole. The advancements in technology we have at our fingertips today allows us the opportunity to explore the cosmos like never before, and with each consecutive step we get closer and closer to realizing how life as we know it began centuries and centuries ago. Astronomy continues to play a vital role in the search for more answers regarding who we are and where we came from. Astronomers often relate that the study of celestial objects is akin to traveling back in time. The further back we are able to go the better we will understand how the planets and stars were formed and how life came to be on this tiny little rock we call Earth.
Astronomy shouldn't be confused with Astrology, although they both have similar origins, they involve completely different theories and beliefs. Astrology deals with the belief that the positions of celestial objects has a direct impact on human affairs, whereas Astronomy studies the evolution and formation of the entire universe, namely the birth of a star or planet, how it was created, what the chemical composition of the object is, as well as the orbital motion it maintains in conjunction with other objects in the same galaxy.
Ancient early civilizations that began studying Astronomy were only able to observe and predict the motions of celestial objects that they could see with the unaided human eye. This process was normally carried out from positions considered advantageous, such as the top of a mountain or the highest building. Since the telescope had yet to be invented some of these civilizations actually erected enormous observatories that they used not only for astronomical purposes but for ceremonies as well. The monuments they erected were also used to determine the upcoming changes in the seasons, indicating at what times of the year crops should be planted or prepare to be harvested.
For the most part early Astronomers were only concerned with the mapping of stars and planets. It wasn't until the construction of astronomical observatories that ideas regarding the evolution of the universe were first postulated and explored. Some of the earliest beliefs revolved around the theory that the Earth was at the center of the galaxy and that all of the stars and planets were placed in orbit around it. This theory is referred to as the Ptolemaic system, which depicts a geocentric model of the universe using the Earth as the center point.
Astronomy in the modern age involves the study of unique objects such as quasars, pulsars, neutron stars and the infamous black hole. The advancements in technology we have at our fingertips today allows us the opportunity to explore the cosmos like never before, and with each consecutive step we get closer and closer to realizing how life as we know it began centuries and centuries ago. Astronomy continues to play a vital role in the search for more answers regarding who we are and where we came from. Astronomers often relate that the study of celestial objects is akin to traveling back in time. The further back we are able to go the better we will understand how the planets and stars were formed and how life came to be on this tiny little rock we call Earth.
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