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.
Glossary
- Star: A large ball of plasma powered by a continuous cycle of thermonuclear fusion
- Solar System: Made up of the Sun and all of the objects that orbit
- Galaxy: Is a rotating cluster of objects that can include stars, solar systems, dark matter and space dust
- Planet: Defined as a large mass that orbits the Sun with enough gravity to round itself
- Asteroid: Smaller solar system objects that do not have a coma
- Comet: Similar to asteroids, but form a coma and generally a tail
General Subfields of Astronomy and Astrophysics
Extragalactic Astronomy
Galactic Astronomy
Planetary Science
Stellar Astronomy
Modern Day Astronomers
The Following Links are to Wikipedia:
Astronomy Theories
The Galileo Project: Copernican System | Atomism | On Motion
Wikipedia: Heliocentrism
Bluffton University: Models of the Solar System
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Astronomical Theory of Climate Change
University of St Andrews: Ptolemy's Hypotheses on Astronomy
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
It is the oldest science
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Fact:
Explains the evolution of the universe
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Fact:
Amateur astronomers can play an active role in astronomy
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Fact:
The invention of telescopes evolved astronomy into a modern science
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Fact:
Often studied in conjunction with cosmology and/or areas of physics such as quantum mechanics.
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Fact:
Stargazers are actually looking at stars as they were years ago. It takes a long time for the light to reach Earth
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Fact:
People are actually made out of star remnants. Any atoms heavier than hydrogen have been expelled from supernovae.
