Skip to main content

The History of Astronomy

If you have a passion for star gazing, telescopes, the Hubble and the universe and this thing we call “astronomy”, you are far from alone.  Of course, we know that astronomy is a highly respected science that has produced some of the most amazing accomplishments of the twentieth century.  On top of that, it is a thriving area of fascination and one of the most exciting hobby areas going with thousands of astronomy clubs and tens of thousands of amateur astronomers watching the stars every night just like we do.

But did you know that astronomy is one of the oldest and most respected sciences of them all?  As far back as before the times of Christ, the wise and thinking people of societies of the time were looking at the stars and finding ways to track and chart them.  We who love the hobby of astronomy can chart a proud history of astronomers that tracks across millennia and through virtually every culture in civilization.  So for the sake of having some really good trivia to toss around at astronomy club next week, let’s highlight some of the big moments in the history of astronomy.

For many centuries the science of astronomy was not distinct from the practice of astrology.  For clarity, astronomy is the study of the stars, planets, and the universe with a clearly scientific approach.  Astrology is the study of the zodiac signs and how they influence our growth, our personalities and our daily lives.  In modern times, we as people of science discount the astrological side and focus on the astronomy of the heavens.  But they were one study for millennia before the age of science made them separate.

There is historical evidence that astronomy was a recognized science as far back as the Babylonian civilization hundreds of years before Christ.  But the study of the stars was not limited to one country.  There were similar movements going on in China, India, and Ancient Egypt and all over the Arabian Peninsula.  The integration of astronomy and religion is so prevalent that we see it in the Christmas story in which the Magi, Zoroastrian priesthood probably from the equivalent of ancient Syria, followed a star to the Christ child.  These astronomers were also astrologers and it was that mixture that lead them to be part of this historic event.

The first book on astronomy was written by Ptolemy during the Greek empire.  Since that historic publication, the who’s who list of great astronomers charts a path right through the center of modern science including Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Sir Issac Newton, Jung, Michelangelo, Benjamin Franklin and more recently even Einstein and Stephen Hawkings would join that noble list.  It seemed that from the renaissance on to this day, virtually any man or woman of intellect dabbled in astronomy at least somewhat and it has always been considered a sign of the learned to know about the universe and things astronomical.

Astronomy has had an impact on so many areas of our lives that we really don’t recognize.  Many words in our language had their roots in astronomy such as…

* Influenza which comes from the Latin root word for influence.  This reflects an early belief that the position of the moon and stars may influence health and cause or cure disease.

* Disaster which comes from the Latin for “bad star”.

* Lunatic which has the root word "Luna" in it which is the Latin word for moon.  This highlights the long held belief that is even prevalent today that irrational behavior and even wild and dangerous things happen during a full moon.

Astronomy and its interrelationship with astrology has also influenced culture, education and religion to a very large extent over the centuries.  In the English language, the first two days or our week, Sunday and Monday are a reference to astronomy as their literal interpretations would be “The Day of the Sun” and “The Day of the Moon.” 

So if you have found astronomy becoming a consuming passion in your thoughts and what fascinates you about the world we live in, you are in great company as this area of study has been a major part of culture and thought virtually since the dawn of civilization.  And it will continue to fascinate mankind for as long as those beautiful stars shine over our heads.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

6 Areas to consider Before You Purchase The First Hoverboard

Lots of younger people have hoverboards on his or her wish include when Christmas day is nearby. If you are searching to acquire an individual for you or a family member, you might consider seem like a species of fish through liquid. To help make this decision easier, now we have come up with a number of the things which you might always remember before purchasing a particular. Stay with me for more info. 1. Take into account the additional features Hoverboards arrived with numerous methods and bonuses. Some are the following. If you require these additional items, you should obtain a item that supplies these functions. Extensive-span Moisture level of resistance High-speed Training form for firm Move alerts Driven front lights Wireless bluetooth audio speakers More prominent tires Tones 2. Don't consider the smallest Price Superior-good quality hoverboards are created from huge-level of quality elements. Because these elements are very really expensive, they increase the all round...

Interested In Learning More Information About Solar Energy? Check Out These Great Tips!

Solar power has gradually become part of our lives. Homeowners are using solar energy to reduce their bills, and business owners use solar panels too in order to develop a more environment-friendly business model. If you'd like to know more about solar energy, read on. This article is filled with useful tips and information about solar energy. Photo-voltaic panels have two main types. Mono-crystalline panels are the more efficient and more expensive choice. Poly-crystalline panels cost less and produce less. Invest in the best system you can afford. Many people assume that installing solar panels requires a major remodeling of their home. The first step is to replace outdoor lighting with solar options. These lights stay on all night and then recharge the following day. If you want to use partial solar power, look into some small solar operated appliances. There are two different ways to accomplish this. You could attach solar panels to your windows and use these to re...

Is Bigger Better in Auto Sound Systems?

When it comes to auto sound systems, one question seems to be repeated often-is bigger better? The honest answer to that is not by a long shot. There are many excellent quality sound systems that will not require the backseat and your first-born in order to enjoy wonderful quality of sound and music as you drive along on your daily commute. One thing that is important to remember is that dynamite does in fact come in small packages. The same can be true of a good quality sound system for your car, truck, or SUV. You can elect to have the full range sound package. This package, if not custom installed by the dealer can take up a great deal of real estate within your car, truck, or SUV. If you own a compact car, these types of speakers and this particular type of sound system is definitely not recommended. The first reason it is unattractive is that it will most likely require either the vast majority of your trunk or take out your back seat. I for one like being able to cart around fr...