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Astronomy (Greek: αστρονομία = άστρον + νόμος, astronomia = astron + nomos, literally, "law of the stars") is the science of celestial objects (e.g., stars, planets, comets, and galaxies) and phenomena that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere (e.g., auroras and cosmic background radiation). It is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, and motion of celestial objects as well as the formation and development of the universe. Astronomical observations can be used to test fundamental theories in physics, such as general relativity. Theoretical astrophysics complements observational astronomy in that it seeks to explain astronomical phenomena.
Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences. Astronomers of ancient Greece practiced a scientific methodology, and advanced observation techniques may have been known much earlier (see archaeoastronomy). Historically, 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.
Modern astronomy is not to be confused with astrology, the belief system that claims human affairs are correlated with the positions of celestial objects. Although the two fields share a common origin, they are fundamentally different: astronomers employ the scientific method, whereas astrologers do not.
More on [ Astronomy ]
Astronomy and Space :: Science
Astronomy, Alternative :: Anomalies and Alternative Science
Physics :: Science
Space :: Technology
Biggest Little Announcement in NASA History
Thu, 15 May 2008 07:00:00 -0400
Last week NASA issued a press release promising that on May 14th, they would "Announce the discovery of an object in our Galaxy astronomers have been hunting for more than 50 years." Alexis Madrigal, who live-blogged the announcement for Wired.com, will attempt to make you care.
Elvis, bin Laden and Hitler Join Mission to Mars
Fri, 09 May 2008 16:02:00 -0400
A Mars spacecraft carrying a DVD of thousands of names was intended to increase public interest in space missions. But the unintended consequence was lasting space memorials to Donald Duck, John Lennon, Adolf Hitler and Malcolm X.
NASA Plots Future Mission — to an Asteroid
Thu, 08 May 2008 13:37:00 -0400
A group of engineers is studying the possibility of having astronauts land on near-Earth objects, better known as asteroids. Rob Landis, who co-wrote a feasibility study, says people have to prepare for living elsewhere.
Why a Space Rock May Fetch $3 Million
Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:42:00 -0400
Marvin Killgore is auctioning off his Fukang meteorite to the highest bidder on Wednesday. Fifty percent nickel iron and 50 percent peridot, the rock weighed more than a ton before it was cut in half.
Rough Soyuz Landing Creates Bumps for NASA
Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:31:00 -0400
NASA is trying to downplay fears that the recent bone-rattling landing of a Russian capsule could mean it is less reliable than thought. Once NASA retires the space shuttle in 2010, the Russian Soyuz will be the only means of getting astronauts to and from the International Space Station.
Lucy's Laugh Enlivens the Solar System
Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:09:00 -0400
We make a lot of noise here on Earth with our TV and radio broadcasts, and some of that sound escapes into space. But how far will our signals travel? Can Lucille Ball's laugh be heard across the universe?
Mysteries in Astronomy and Space Science - Article briefly discussing 21 topics.
Absolute Astronomy - Facts and statistical information about planets, moons, constellations, stars, galaxies, and Messier objects.
Meta Description: [ General facts and statistical information about planets, moons, constellations, stars, galaxies, and Messier objects. ]
An Atlas of the Universe - Contains 3D maps of the universe zooming out from the nearest stars to the scale of the galaxy and out to the surrounding superclusters and finally to the scale of the known universe.
Meta Description: [ Contains maps of the universe zooming out from the nearest stars to the entire visible universe. ]
Astronomical Applications Department, U.S. Naval Observatory - Computes the position, brightness, and other observable characteristics of celestial bodies, as well as the circumstances of astronomical phenomena. Includes information on calendars and related topics.
Meta Description: [ The Astronomical Applications Departmentof the U.S. Naval Observatory computes, from fundamental astronomicalreference data, the position, brightness, and other observablecharacteristics of celestial bodies, as well as the circumstancesof astronomical phenomena. This information is of criticalim... ]
Astronomical Pseudo-Science: A Skeptic's Resource List - List of links for those, who want to examine theories that are on the fringe of accepted scientific thought that are related connected to astronomy. A few examples are astrology, UFO's, the Face on Mars, and ancient astronaut theory.
Meta Description: [ The Astronomical Society of the Pacific is an international nonprofit scientific and educational organization founded in 1889 that works to increase understanding and appreciation of astronomy. ]
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Astronomy Education and Outreach - General astronomy tutorial, education links, web courses, documents at the UCSD Center for Astrophysics and Space Sciences.
Meta Description: [ Gene Smith's Astronomy Tutorial -
an introductory tutorial in Astronomy with links to sites for public
information and astronomy/science education ]
Astronomy Facts and Trivia - Fun facts and trivia relating to astronomy, space, science fiction movies. Most trivia items are submitted by users.
Meta Description: [ Astronomy trivia questions and quizzes ]
Astronomy for All - Index with graphics and illustrations about stars, the Solar System, cosmology and Galileo.
Astronomy Forum - Message board.
Meta Description: [ Astronomy, Great Books Forums ]
Astronomy Net - Resources, searchable forums and searchable lists of organizations providing astronomy services.
Meta Description: [ The Astronomy Net contains articles, forums, clubs, vendors, manufacturers and other resources important to those interested in Astronomy. ]
Astronomy Online - Gives overview of the solar system, the Milky Way galaxy, extrasolar planets, cosmology and astrophotography. Includes images, additional resources, and forums.
Meta Description: [ Astronomy Information and Resources ]
Astronomy Today - Information and articles on astronomy, space and related topics. Also features a friendly forum and a telescope buyer's FAQ page.
Meta Description: [ Information and articles on astronomy, space and related topics. Also featuring a friendly forum and a monthly sky guide. ]
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AstroWeb - Astronomical Internet resources by the Space Telescope Science Institute.
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Australia Astro Site - Extensive resources for astronomy.
Meta Description: [ The VK2THN Homepage also known as the Australia Astro Site is the homepage of Paul Titze
VK2THN [HACK.AU.] and is a personal gateway to the Net. It is also a resource for anyone to use. ]
Eric Weisstein's World of Astronomy - A web encyclopedia. Over 500 entries, ranging from definitions to full articles.
Meta Description: [ Eric Weisstein's World of Astronomy ]
Infrared Astronomy - All about infrared astronomy from NASA's infrared astronomy center: Discovery of infrared, what is infrared and infrared astronomy, history, the infrared universe, gallery, activities, discoveries, missions and a lot of links to IR astronomy sites.
Logarithmic Maps of the Universe - Show universe in terms of distance from Earth center. Includes such things as satellites, planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies, out to cosmic microwave background radiation from the Big Bang.
Stars and Planets - Information about interesting stars and planets in our galaxy, as well as astral bodies outside the Milky Way. Includes photos.
Meta Description: [ Informations about the most interesting stars in our galaxy and beyond, about our solar system and other galaxies. ]
The Naming of Stars - Leaflet from Royal Greenwich Observatory.
Astron J e-First Articles - Astron J e-First Articles
NPR Topics: Space - Space
USATODAY.com Science and Space - Top Stories - USATODAY.com Science and Space - Top Stories
USATODAY.com Science and Space - Top Stories - USATODAY.com Science and Space - Top Stories
USATODAY.com Science and Space - Top Stories - USATODAY.com Science and Space - Top Stories
| Astronomer Carl Sagan 1988 |
