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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.
More on [ Astronomy ]
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.
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.
First light for space telescope
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:58:12 -0000
A powerful Nasa space telescope has unveiled an image of the sky viewed through "gamma-ray glasses".
AstroGrid - Research and development project to produce a virtual observatory based on grid technologies. Site has news, forum and wiki areas allowing free and open collaboration on project.
Astrophysics at Bristol University - Site describes teaching facilities and contains information on current research programs.
Meta Description: [ Bristol Astrophysics home page ]
Department of Physics and Astronomy - University of Leicester research groups in x-ray and observational astronomy, theoretical astrophysics, space projects and instrumentation.
Meta Description: [ University of Leicester's X-ray
and Observational Astronomy ]
Southampton Astronomy Group - University of Southampton provides course details plus information on local seminars, speakers, and articles.
Starlink - An online computing facility for UK astronomers. Consists of a network of computers at UK universities, a collection of software to reduce and analyse astronomical data, and a team giving hardware, software, and administrative support.
The Joint Astronomy Centre - Services and support to enable astronomers to undertake research using the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope and the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope.
The Royal Observatory, Greenwich - An informative website from the home of the Prime Meridian of the world.
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UK Planetary Forum - Contains pages for 24 research groups in the UK, with details of their research topics and contact details for experts in planetary science.
United Kingdom Gemini Office - News and reminders plus links for observing with the Gemini telescopes, operational and UK support plans.
| La Galaxia de Andrómeda, también conocida como Objeto Messier 31, Messier 31 o NGC 224, es una galaxia espiral gigante ... | |
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