What is astronomy?
Astronomy is the science that studies all celestial bodies in the Universe.
Celestial bodies are understood as planets, stars, comets, asteroids, nebulae, galaxies, etc.
Professionals who work with astronomy are called astronomers, and they are responsible for analyzing and studying everything related to cosmic space, such as the evolution of space and the observation of all the celestial bodies that are in it, for example.
Since ancient times, human beings have looked at the sky with great curiosity and eagerness to answer all their questions about what exists beyond the Earth and the terrestrial Solar System.
However, concrete answers – with scientific bases and theories – only began to emerge from the so-called Scientific Renaissance, between the 15th and 16th centuries.
Among the leading astronomers of all time, who contributed greatly to astronomy as a science, is the Polish mathematician Nicolaus Copernicus, who developed the theory of heliocentrism – the Sun as the center of the Solar System.
Other prominent names are: Galileo Galilei, Italian physicist, mathematician and astronomer, responsible for several discoveries within the field of astronomy (such as the rings of Saturn, for example), the most significant being the improvement of telescopes.
Johannes Kepler – German astronomer and mathematician – was also another big name in astronomy. Kepler was immortalized for creating the laws of “celestial mechanics”, known as Kepler’s Laws.
Currently, astronomy is considered a very extensive science, with several specific areas of study, such as Cosmology, Stellar Astronomy, Galactic Astronomy, Extragalactic Astronomy, etc.
People interested in pursuing a career as astronomers must complete a higher education course in Astronomy at a university duly recognized by the country’s Ministry of Education.
Difference between astronomy and astrology
Many people confuse astrology with astronomy, which, despite having some similarities, have completely different definitions and meanings.
While astronomy is consecrated as the science responsible for studying all celestial bodies, astrology is seen as a pseudoscience.
Astrology claims that the heavenly bodies have an influence on people’s lives and personalities.
Anyone who practices astrology is called an astrologer.
Usually, astrology is related to some religious and spiritual doctrines, such as witchcraft, for example.
List of Acronyms Related to Astronomy
