Outline of space science

Outline of Space Science

Space science encompasses all of the scientific disciplines that involve the study of the universe beyond Earth's atmosphere. It includes the observation and interpretation of celestial bodies and phenomena, the physics of the cosmos, and the exploration of outer space. This field is interdisciplinary, drawing on astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, and more to understand the universe's origins, evolution, and future.

Branches of Space Science

Space science can be broadly categorized into several key areas:

• Astronomy: The oldest of the space sciences, astronomy is the study of celestial objects (such as stars, planets, comets, and galaxies) and phenomena that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere (such as cosmic background radiation).
• Astrophysics: A branch of astronomy, astrophysics involves understanding the physics of the universe, including the physical properties (like luminosity, density, temperature, and chemical composition) of celestial bodies.
• Cosmology: This discipline involves the study of the universe as a whole, including its origins, evolution, structure, and eventual fate, based on the laws of physics.
• Planetary Science: Also known as planetology, this field studies planets, moons, and planetary systems, especially those of the Solar System, and the processes that form them.
• Space Exploration: This involves the use of astronomy and space technology to explore outer space. It includes the design and development of space missions, spacecraft, and related technologies for human and robotic exploration.
• Space Physics: Focused on the physical processes in space, particularly the space environment of the Earth, including the magnetosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere.

Important Concepts in Space Science

Several key concepts are fundamental to the study of space science:

• Big Bang: The prevailing cosmological model explaining the universe's origin from a singularity approximately 13.8 billion years ago.
• Black Hole: A region of space having a gravitational field so intense that no matter or radiation can escape.
• Dark Matter: A form of matter thought to account for approximately 85% of the matter in the universe, not directly observable with electromagnetic radiation.
• Exoplanet: A planet located outside our Solar System.
• Galaxy: A massive, gravitationally bound system of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter.
• Solar System: The gravitationally bound system comprising the Sun and the objects that orbit it, either directly or indirectly.

Space Missions

Over the years, numerous space missions have been launched to explore our universe, providing valuable data and revolutionizing our understanding of space. Some notable missions include:

• Apollo Program: A series of manned missions to the Moon, culminating in the first human moonwalk in 1969.
• Hubble Space Telescope: An orbiting telescope that has provided deep views into space since its launch in 1990, revolutionizing astronomy.
• Mars Rovers: A series of robotic vehicles, including Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity, sent to Mars to explore its surface and geology.

Future of Space Science

The future of space science promises even greater discoveries with upcoming missions, such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), designed to study the formation of stars and galaxies, and the continued exploration of Mars and other celestial bodies in our solar system and beyond.

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Outline of space science

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  Laser towards the Milky Way's centre

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  The Celestial Zoo infographic

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  CMB Timeline

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  Piers Sellers spacewalk