Astronomy
Astronomy
Astronomy (pronunciation: /əˈstrɒnəmi/) is a natural science that studies celestial objects and phenomena. It uses mathematics, physics, and chemistry in order to explain their origin and evolution. Objects of interest include planets, moons, stars, galaxies, and comets; while the phenomena also includes supernova explosions, gamma ray bursts, and cosmic microwave background radiation.
Etymology
The word "astronomy" (from the Greek words astron, "star" and -nomia from nomos, "law") means "law of the stars". The term was first used in ancient Greek literature and was later adopted by the Romans.
Related Terms
- Astrophysics: The branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including the physical properties of celestial objects, as well as their interactions and behavior.
- Cosmology: The scientific study of the large scale properties of the universe as a whole.
- Galaxy: A gravitationally bound system of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter.
- Planet: A celestial body orbiting a star or stellar remnant that is massive enough to be rounded by its own gravity, is not massive enough to cause thermonuclear fusion, and has cleared its neighbouring region of planetesimals.
- Star: A type of astronomical object consisting of a luminous spheroid of plasma held together by its own gravity.
- Comet: A small Solar System body that, when passing close to the Sun, warms and begins to release gases, a process called outgassing.
- Supernova: A powerful and luminous stellar explosion. This transient astronomical event occurs during the last evolutionary stages of a massive star or when a white dwarf is triggered into runaway nuclear fusion.
- Gamma Ray Burst: Extremely energetic explosions that have been observed in distant galaxies. They are the brightest electromagnetic events known to occur in the universe.
- Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation: The thermal radiation left over from the time of recombination in Big Bang cosmology.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Astronomy
- Wikipedia's article - Astronomy
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