Astronomy vs. Astrology
Astronomy vs. Astrology
This week we were asked to write a paper discussing the difference between astronomy and astrology. Astrology and astronomy grew up together throughout a large portion of human history. However, the two have been separated for centuries, and because so many people mistakenly think that astrology is some kind of science, it often happens that the two are even today still confused with one another. Astronomy is the science of mapping the positions and movements of celestial bodies. It tries to discover what these bodies are made of, and where they came from, using sophisticated technical equipment. This scientific endeavor grew out of three traditional studies that had concerned themselves with practical uses for our observations of the stars - astrology, navigation and chronometry. Astrology is not a science. Astrology is not based upon collected data and carefully controlled, objective observations. Astrology is not based upon falsifiable predictions that are tested and re-tested by independent observers and researchers. Astrology is based upon a belief that one's personality has its origins in the locations of distant stars and planets at the time of one's birth. It also assumes and attempts to interpret the influence of the heavenly bodies on earthly affairs.
Astronomy is the constant study of space and its contents. There is always something new found. For example a few months back NASA-funded researchers discovered the most distant object orbiting Earth's sun.
"NASA planned a Monday press conference to offer more details about Sedna, a planetoid between 800 miles and 1,100 miles in diameter, or about three-quarters the size of Pluto.
Named for the Inuit goddess who created the sea creatures of the Arctic, Sedna lies more than three times farther from the sun than Pluto. It was discovered in November.
"The sun appears so small from that distance that you could completely block it out with the head of a pin," said Mike Brown, an
This week we were asked to write a paper discussing the difference between astronomy and astrology. Astrology and astronomy grew up together throughout a large portion of human history. However, the two have been separated for centuries, and because so many people mistakenly think that astrology is some kind of science, it often happens that the two are even today still confused with one another. Astronomy is the science of mapping the positions and movements of celestial bodies. It tries to discover what these bodies are made of, and where they came from, using sophisticated technical equipment. This scientific endeavor grew out of three traditional studies that had concerned themselves with practical uses for our observations of the stars - astrology, navigation and chronometry. Astrology is not a science. Astrology is not based upon collected data and carefully controlled, objective observations. Astrology is not based upon falsifiable predictions that are tested and re-tested by independent observers and researchers. Astrology is based upon a belief that one's personality has its origins in the locations of distant stars and planets at the time of one's birth. It also assumes and attempts to interpret the influence of the heavenly bodies on earthly affairs.
Astronomy is the constant study of space and its contents. There is always something new found. For example a few months back NASA-funded researchers discovered the most distant object orbiting Earth's sun.
"NASA planned a Monday press conference to offer more details about Sedna, a planetoid between 800 miles and 1,100 miles in diameter, or about three-quarters the size of Pluto.
Named for the Inuit goddess who created the sea creatures of the Arctic, Sedna lies more than three times farther from the sun than Pluto. It was discovered in November.
"The sun appears so small from that distance that you could completely block it out with the head of a pin," said Mike Brown, an