Astronomy (Greek: αστρονομία = άστρον + νόμος, astronomia = astron + nomos, literally, "law of the stars") is the science of celestial objects (e.g., stars, planets, comets, and galaxies) and phenomena that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere (e.g., auroras and cosmic background radiation). It is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, and motion of celestial objects as well as the formation and development of the universe. Astronomical observations can be used to test fundamental theories in physics, such as general relativity. Theoretical astrophysics complements observational astronomy in that it seeks to explain astronomical phenomena.

Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences. Astronomers of ancient Greece practiced a scientific methodology, and advanced observation techniques may have been known much earlier (see archaeoastronomy). Historically, amateur astronomers have contributed to many important astronomical discoveries, and astronomy is one of the few sciences where amateurs can still play an active role, especially in the discovery and observation of transient phenomena.

Modern astronomy is not to be confused with astrology, the belief system that claims human affairs are correlated with the positions of celestial objects. Although the two fields share a common origin, they are fundamentally different: astronomers employ the scientific method, whereas astrologers do not.

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'Lost towns' discovered in Amazon
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:37:07 -0000
The remote Amazon basin was once home to complex urban communities, according to a study in Science journal.
Fly's brain 'senses swat threat'
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:12:17 -0000
Researchers in the US say they have solved the mystery of why flies are so hard to swat.
Arctic ice 'is at tipping point'
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:36:56 -0000
The area covered by sea ice in the Arctic is now the second smallest on record, scientists reveal.
'Cold feet' may halt toad march
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:20:33 -0000
Scientists predict that colder temperatures will prevent the plague of cane toads reaching Australian cities.
New parasite wasp species found
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:53:51 -0000
A new species of wasp which feed on and grow inside maggots is discovered after one hatched on a scientist's desk.
Britain's happiest places mapped
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:06:06 -0000
The most sparsely populated county in Wales is Britain's happiest place - but Edinburgh the least happy, say researchers.

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