Astronomy is the scientific study of everything beyond Earth’s atmosphere. This includes celestial objects like stars, planets, galaxies, moons, asteroids, and comets, as well as phenomena such as supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and cosmic microwave background radiation. Astronomers investigate their composition, motion, evolution, and physical properties. It’s a field that seeks to understand the entire cosmos, from its smallest particles to its grandest structures, and how it all came to be.
Unlike astrology, which makes predictions based on celestial positions, astronomy is a rigorous science relying on observation, mathematics, and physics. Modern astronomy uses powerful telescopes, both on Earth and in space, to collect data across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to gamma rays. This allows scientists to peer deep into the universe’s past and uncover the secrets of distant objects. Discoveries in this field constantly reshape our understanding of the universe.
From the search for exoplanets that might harbor life to mapping the distribution of dark matter and dark energy, astronomy is at the forefront of scientific exploration. It provides a unique perspective on our place in the vast cosmos and inspires countless individuals worldwide, truly making it a subject for World-Wide Q&A.