Noun

Singular astronomy

Plural astronomies

astronomy (plural astronomies)

  1. The study of the physical universe beyond the Earth's atmosphere, including the process of mapping locations and properties of the matter and radiation in the universe.

From Wiktionary under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Sun Aug 9 16:00:25 2009

Astronomy (from the Greek words astron (ἄστρον), "star", and nomos (νόμος), "law") is the scientific study of celestial objects (such as stars, planets, comets, 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. Astronomers of early civilizations performed methodical observations of the night sky, and astronomical artifacts have been found from much earlier periods. However, the invention of the telescope was required before astronomy was able to develop into a modern science. Historically, astronomy has included disciplines as diverse as astrometry, celestial navigation, observational astronomy, the making of calendars, and even astrology, but professional astronomy is nowadays often considered to be synonymous with astrophysics.

Since the 20th century, the field of professional astronomy split into observational and theoretical branches. Observational astronomy is focused on acquiring and analyzing data, mainly using basic principles of physics. Theoretical astronomy is oriented towards the development of computer or analytical models to describe astronomical objects and phenomena. The two fields complement each other, with theoretical astronomy seeking to explain the observational results, and observations being used to confirm theoretical results.

Amateur astronomers have contributed to many important astronomical discoveries, and astronomy is one of the few sciences where amateurs can still play an active role, especially in the discovery and observation of transient phenomena.

Old or even ancient astronomy is not to be confused with astrology, the belief system which claims that human affairs are correlated with the positions of celestial objects. Although the two fields share a common origin and a part of their methods (namely, the use of ephemerides), they are distinct.

2009 has been declared by the UN to be the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009). The focus is on enhancing the public’s understanding and engagement with astronomy.

From Wikipedia under the GNU Free Documentation License
Thu Aug 6 16:38:57 2009

What is the main difference between astro physics and astronomy?
Q. I used to think I knew the difference. After studing astro physics I realized it was - or included - everything I thought that astronomy was. Thanks a lot to whom can answer :) .
Asked by Sebolains - Thu Oct 25 21:39:41 2007 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I guess astrophysics is all done in the lab on paper or blackboard done to support the imperical data and explain it in terms of Newtonian and Relativistic equations. Astronomy also includes experimental field work. The Astrophysicist or physicist if you will. Einstein, postulates based on math and computations and seeing it in their head and comes up with gravity wells and says the light will shift position when it is close to a gravity well. The astronomer sees this for real during and eclipse and sets up experiements to try and prove it based on the data and as such the astronomer needs to interpret the data provided by the physicist. That means they BOTH need to know the same math. Einstein rarely looked throught a telescope and… [cont.]
Answered by Earl D - Thu Oct 25 22:02:46 2007

Are there any good websites to watch astronomy documentaries online?
Q. I love watching astronomy shows about things like the big bang or black holes on the science and discovery channel. Is there a website where I can watch documentaries like this?
Asked by admjonz - Fri Apr 17 17:40:42 2009 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Youtube: This channel has plenty of astronomy videos :
Answered by Tori (: - Fri Apr 17 17:51:01 2009

What is the best university in Europe for studying Astronomy?
Q. I have finished my graduation in Maths and now want to do my Post graduation in Astronomy. Can anyone suggest me a very nice but at the same time not expensive university?
Asked by Rathin Das - Sun Jan 6 09:13:26 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Cambridge.
Answered by Vicente - Sun Jan 6 15:21:21 2008

From Yahoo Answer Search: "astronomy"
Fri Aug 7 12:45:56 2009

Astronomy is the science of celestial objects such as stars, planets, comets and galaxies.

Johannes Hevelius 1611-1687

Contents

Sourced

  • Although Uranus and Neptune are superficially twin planets, they are different enough to remind us - as do Venus and Earth - that we still have a lot to learn about the mix of natural laws and historical accidents that formed the planets and fashioned their destinies.
  • The wonder is, not that the field of stars is so vast, but that man has measured it.
  • Over the rim of waiting earth the moon lifted with majesty till it swung clear of the horizon and rode off, free of moorings...
Eugene Roddenberry and the legacy of 'Star Trek' - Los Angeles Times
news.google.com
Eugene Roddenberry and the legacy of 'Star Trek'

Los Angeles Times

RR: Well, toward my senior year, I was able to choose some courses and one of the courses I chose was astronomy . I became enamored with that, just loved the ...
Program at Gooseberry - Lake County News Chronicle
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Program at Gooseberry

Lake County News Chronicle

Come see the stars with the University of Minnesota Department of Astronomy . Gooseberry Falls State Park is hosting the Universe in the Park event on Friday ...
Library exhibits reach for the stars - Daily Comet
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Library exhibits reach for the stars

Daily Comet

The display is a part of the International Year of Astronomy , a global celebration during 2009 of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, ...



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From Google News Search: "astronomy"
Thu Aug 6 15:57:53 2009

x ray astronomy jpg
nist.gov
x ray astronomy jpg
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[source page]

The study of celestial sources in their x ray light has provided a powerful new tool for discovery of new aspects of the universe The astrophysical

Arab Astronomy bmp
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Arab Astronomy bmp
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Arab History of Astronomy Abstract

Astronomy Picture of the Day 2004 10 15 jpg
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Astronomy Picture of the Day 2004 10 15 jpg
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From Yahoo Image Search: "astronomy"
Mon Aug 3 05:57:20 2009

Pluto still not a planet after astronomy meeting - Science Fair ...
blogs.usatoday.com
Pluto still not a planet after astronomy meeting - Science Fair ...

Michelle Kessler

hu, 13 Aug 2009 22:32:57 GM

An international . astronomy. meeting ended Thursday in Rio de Janeiro, and Pluto is still not a planet. The closing ceremonies of the 2009 International Astronomical Union (IAU) concluded with nary a peep about the planetary brouhaha that ...

lunar lander flash game - Bad Astronomy and Universe Today Forum
bautforum.com
lunar lander flash game - Bad Astronomy and Universe Today Forum

tofu

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:23:06 GM

I used to love this game as a kid. Here it is in flash. Can anyone here beat my awesome score?

GPS speeds - Bad Astronomy and Universe Today Forum
bautforum.com
GPS speeds - Bad Astronomy and Universe Today Forum

Cougar

ue, 11 Aug 2009 19:56:08 GM

I am analyzing a set of GPS data that shows a position and speed of a vehicle every five seconds. Is the speed provided instantaneous at that point,

From Google Blog Search: "astronomy"
Sun Aug 16 07:46:31 2009