What is Space Science?



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Space science includes space exploration and the study of space, also known as astronomy. Astronomy is the study of the sun, moon, stars, etc. Often times, people associate astronomy with astrology. However, they are far different.

As mentioned, Astronomy is the study of space. Astrology is the study of the positions, motions and properties of celestial objects and how they affect people and events. Astrology is no longer considered to be a science.

Astronomy is one of the oldest scientists known to man. It dates as far back as the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and the Mayans.  While there was not the advanced technology that we have today, they were still able to observe space with their eyes. Galileo Galilei was one of the scientists who improved the technology of the telescope, allowing closer observations of the planets.  Isaac Newton explained the physics that made up our solar system and the reasoning for gravity.

There are several fields of astronomy. They include:

  • Observational- observing celestial objects of outer space
    • How are they observed?
      • eyes
      • light
      • radio
      • infrared
      • X-ray
  • Theoretical- the use of math to describe what is observed and what cannot be observed
  • Solar- the focus on the sun. 
    • How the sun and it's activity affects the Earth
  • Planetary- focuses on the planets, moons, comets, etc.
    • How the planets and objects in space were formed
      • how they were created
  • Stellar- the study of stars
    • How they are formed
    • types of stars
    • the stages of stars
The website I used to research more about astronomy is linked HERE. It is a great resource  for the classroom and includes more in depth topics of astronomy as well as activities to use during your lesson. It even provides an assessment with the information. 

I' ve also included  crash course video to use as an introduction to astronomy. They have an entire series dedicated to astronomy!



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