astronomy is the science that studies all celestial bodies in the Universe.
As celestial bodies, we understand planets, stars, comets, asteroids, nebulae, galaxies and so on.
Professionals who work with astronomy are called astronomers, and are responsible for analyzing and studying everything that is related to cosmic space, as the evolution of space and the observation of all celestial bodies that are in it, for example.
Since Antiquity, human beings have looked to the sky with a lot of curiosity and eagerness to answer all your questions about what exists beyond the Earth and the terrestrial Solar System.
However, concrete answers – with scientific bases and theories – only began to emerge from the so-called Scientific Renaissance, between the 15th and 16th centuries.
Among the leading astronomers of all times, who have greatly contributed to astronomy as a science, is the Polish mathematician Nicolas Copernicus, who developed the theory of heliocentrism - the Sun as the center of the System Solar.
Other prominent names are: Galileo Galilei, Italian physicist, mathematician and astronomer, responsible for several discoveries within the field of astronomy (such as the rings of Saturn, for example), the most significant being the improvement of telescopes.
Johannes Kepler – German astronomer and mathematician – was also another big name in astronomy. Kepler was immortalized for having created the laws of "celestial mechanics", known as the Laws of Kepler.
Currently, astronomy is considered a very extensive science, with several areas of study specific, such as Cosmology, Stellar Astronomy, Galactic Astronomy, Astronomy Extragalactic and so on.
People interested in pursuing a career as astronomers must complete a higher education course in Astronomy at a university duly recognized by the country's Ministry of Education.
See also the meaning of NASA and Sun.
Astronomy in Brazil
There are several Brazilian universities that offer undergraduate courses in Astronomy.
The Brazilian Astronomical Society (SAB) is the organization responsible for Astronomy in Brazil.
In the country, December 2nd is marked as the Astronomer's Day, same date of birth of Emperor D. Pedro II, a great astronomy enthusiast.
Astronomy and Astrology
Many people confuse astrology with astronomy which, despite having some similarities, have completely different definitions and meanings.
While astronomy is consecrated as the science responsible for studying all celestial bodies, astrology is considered a pseudoscience.
THE astrology states that celestial bodies have an influence on people's lives and personality..
Those who practice astrology are called astrologer.
Usually, astrology is related to some religious and spiritual doctrines, such as witchcraft, for example.
Learn more about the meaning of Astrology.
