Article
Article
Astronomy
Article By:
Pasachoff, Jay M. Hopkins Observatory, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts.
Last reviewed:June 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.057900
Show previous versions
- Astronomy, published April 2021:Download PDF
Get Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Astronomy, published June 2018:Download PDF
Get Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Astronomy, published January 2014:Download PDF
Get Adobe Acrobat Reader
The study of the universe and the objects in it through scientific investigation. The goal of astronomical research is to understand celestial objects and the nature and evolution of the cosmos (Fig. 1). Because much of contemporary astronomy uses the laws, mathematics, and methods of physics, the terms “astronomy” and “astrophysics” are usually used interchangeably. However, modern astronomy also uses techniques from many other scientific disciplines, including chemistry, geology, and biology, for which the terms astrochemistry, planetary science, and astrobiology are regularly used. Even astrometry, the measurement of the positions and motions of stars and other astronomical objects, has links to astrophysical investigations. See also: Astrobiology; Astrometry; Biology; Chemistry; Geology; Physics
The content above is only an excerpt.
About AccessScience
AccessScience provides the most accurate and trustworthy scientific information available.
Recognized as an award-winning gateway to scientific knowledge, AccessScience is an amazing online resource that contains high-quality reference material written specifically for students. Contributors include more than 10,000 highly qualified scientists and 46 Nobel Prize winners.
MORE THAN 8700 articles covering all major scientific disciplines and encompassing the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology and McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science & Technology
115,000-PLUS definitions from the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms
3000 biographies of notable scientific figures
MORE THAN 19,000 downloadable images and animations illustrating key topics
ENGAGING VIDEOS highlighting the life and work of award-winning scientists
SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY and additional readings to guide students to deeper understanding and research
LINKS TO CITABLE LITERATURE help students expand their knowledge using primary sources of information
