• Astronomy is the study the 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.

• 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

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Sun | Mercury | Venus | Earth | Moon | Mars | Asteroids | Jupiter | Saturn | Titan (Moon) | Uranus | Neptune | Pluto | Telescopes | Comets | Extrasolar Planets | Black Holes | Galileo | NASA | Cosmology | String Theory | Physics | Chemistry | Biology | Stars | Telescopes | Trigonometry | Aurora Borealis | Homestar Extra | Nicolaus Copernicus | Copernicus Grave | How to Become an Astronomer

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