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• Astronomy is the study of energy and the positions, dimensions, distribution, motion, and composition of matter in outer space. It also involves the evolution of celestial bodies and phenomena.

• Fast Facts

  1. It is the oldest science
  2. Explains the evolution of the universe
  3. Amateur astronomers can play an active role in astronomy
  4. The invention of telescopes evolved astronomy into a modern science
  5. Often studied in conjunction with cosmology and/or areas of physics such as quantum mechanics.
  6. Stargazers are actually looking at stars as they were years ago. It takes a long time for the light to reach Earth
  7. People are actually made out of star remnants. Any atoms heavier than hydrogen have been expelled from supernovae.

• Glossary

  1. Star: A large ball of plasma powered by a continuous cycle of thermonuclear fusion
  2. Solar System: Made up of the Sun and all of the objects that orbit
  3. Galaxy: Is a rotating cluster of objects that can include stars, solar systems, dark matter and space dust
  4. Planet: Defined as a large mass that orbits the Sun with enough gravity to round itself
  5. Asteroid: Smaller solar system objects that do not have a coma
  6. Comet: Similar to asteroids, but form a coma and generally a tail

• General Subfields of Astronomy and Astrophysics

  • Astrobiology
  • Astrochemistry
  • Astrodynamics
  • Astrogeology
  • Astrometry
  • Cosmology
  • Exoplanetology
  • Extragalactic Astronomy
  • Galactic Astronomy
  • Planetary Science
  • Stellar Astronomy

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Planets | Extrasolar Planets | Black Holes | Albert Einstein | NASA | Cosmology | String Theory | Physics | Stars | Nicolaus Copernicus | How to Become an Astronomer

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