Download What is Astronomy?

What is
Astronomy?
Mr. Hibbetts
Classical and Modern Astronomy
Presentation Outline
I. What is Astronomy?
A. Definition
B. Why study Astronomy
C. Types of Astronomy
What is Astronomy?
Take a few moments and think of a
definition
Compare it with the person next to you.
What is Astronomy?
Unfortunately, not even the experts agree:
Textbook: The study of the universe and
all within.
What is Astronomy?
Unfortunately, not even the experts agree:
Textbook: The study of the universe and
all within.
What is good about this definition?
What is not?
What is Astronomy?
The Dictionary:
The scientific study of matter in outer space,
especially the positions, dimensions,
distribution, motion, composition, energy,
and evolution of celestial bodies and
phenomena.
What is Astronomy?
The Dictionary:
The scientific study of matter in outer space,
especially the positions, dimensions, distribution,
motion, composition, energy, and evolution of
celestial bodies and phenomena.
What is good about this definition?
What is not?
What is Astronomy?
The Planetary Society:
Astronomy is a scientific study of celestial object
that include galaxies, comets, stars and planets.
It is also a phenomenon that evolves outside the
atmosphere of the earth like the cosmic
background radiation. Apart from this,
Astronomy is also concerned with the physics,
evolution, meteorology, chemistry and motion of
the celestial objects and also the development
and formation of the universe.
The Planetary Society:
Astronomy is a scientific study of celestial object
that include galaxies, comets, stars and planets.
It is also a phenomenon that evolves outside the
atmosphere of the earth like the cosmic
background radiation. Apart from this,
Astronomy is also concerned with the physics,
evolution, meteorology, chemistry and motion of
the celestial objects and also the development
and formation of the universe.
What is good about this definition?
What is not ?
What is Astronomy?
Lets see if you can come up with our own…
Why Study Astronomy?
Write down why do you think it is important
to study Astronomy.
Why Study Astronomy?
• Astronomy is the oldest Science.
• Most early scientific advancement
came from the study of astronomy.
• Astronomy promotes invention,
discovery, and constructive thought.
• This is the “Space Age”.
Why Study Astronomy?
What did you right down?
Have another reason? Please speak up!
Why study astronomy?
“Our contemplations of the Cosmos stir us – there is
a tingling in the spine, a catch in the voice, a faint sensation,
as if a distant memory, of falling from a height. We know
we are approaching the greatest of mysteries.”
Carl Sagan (1934-1996)
Types of Astronomy
Planetary Astronomy:
- The study of planets, dwarf planets,
asteroids, comets, moons, and other
planet like phenomena orbiting the Sun
and other stars.
Types of Astronomy
Solar Astronomy:
-The study of the Sun, its cycles, and effects
on the Earth and solar system.
Types of Astronomy
Stellar Astronomy:
The study of stars, star life cycles, and
stellar evolution.
Galactic Astronomy
Galactic Astronomy:
The study of the Milky Way and all of its
contents.
Types of Astronomy
Extragalactic Astronomy:
The study of galaxies outside the Milky Way
and the formation, development, and
classification of galaxies and galactic
clusters.
Types of Astronomy
Cosmology:
The study of the universe as a whole,
especially properties and evolution
Types of Astronomy
Archeaoastronomy:
The study of ancient or traditional
astronomy from a cultural context.
Types of Astronomy
• Astrophysics
– The study of the mechanics of the universe as
well as celestial object behavior and
interaction.
Types of Astronomy
Astrochemistry:
The study of the development of matter,
chemicals, and forms in space.
Types of Astronomy
Astrobiology:
The study of the advent and evolution of
biological systems in cosmic terms;
including nonterrestrial life