What is a source of information in astronomy. What is astronomy and what does she study? New currents and modern directions in astronomy

For some time there was no such object in the school program at all as astronomy. Now this discipline is included in the mandatory training course. Astronomy begin to study in different schools in different ways. Sometimes this discipline first appears in the schedule at seventh graders, and in some educational institutions they are taught only in grade 11. Schoolchildren have a question about why you need to teach this subject, astronomy? Let's find out what kind of science and how knowledge about space can come in handy in life?

The concept of science of astronomy and the subject of its study

Astronomy is the natural science of the universe. The subject of its study is space phenomena, processes and objects. Thanks to this science, we know the planets, satellites, comets, asteroids, meteorites. Also, astronomical knowledge give the concept of space, the location of the celestial bodies, their movement and the formation of their systems.

Astronomy is the science that explains incomprehensible phenomena that make up an integral part of our lives.

The origin and development of astronomy

The very first ideas of a person about the universe were very primitive. They were based on religious beliefs. People thought that the Earth was the center of the Universe, and that the stars are attached to the hard sky.

In the future, the development of this science is distinguished several stages, each of which is called the astronomical revolution.

The first such coup took place at different times in various regions of the world. The approximate start of its implementation is 1500 years before our era. The cause of the first revolution was the development of mathematical knowledge, and the result is the emergence of spherical astronomy, astrometry and accurate calendars. The main achievement of this period is the emergence of the geocentric theory of the world, which has become the result of ancient knowledge.

The second revolution in astronomy occurred from the XVI to the XVII century. It was caused by the rapid development of natural sciences and the emergence of new knowledge about nature. During this period, the laws of physics were used to explain astronomical processes and phenomena.

The main achievements of this stage of development of astronomy is the rationale and the worldy gravity, the invention of the optical telescope, the opening of new planets, asteroids, the emergence of the first cosmological hypotheses.

Next, the development of science of space accelerated. A new technique has been invented that helps in astronomical studies. The possibility of studying the chemical composition of celestial bodies, confirmed the unity of the entire outer space.

The third astronomical revolution occurred in the 70-90s of the twentieth century. It was due to the progress of technology and technology. At this stage, Vesvolovaya, experimental and corpuscular astronomy appears. This means that now all space objects can be considered using electromagnetic waves emitted by them, corpuscular radiation.

Astronomy subsections

As we see, astronomy is an ancient science, and in the course of long development, it acquired an extensive, sectoral structure. The conceptual foundation of classical astronomy is three subdivisions:

In addition to these major sections, there are still:

• astrophysics;
• star Astronomy;
• cosmogony;
• cosmology.

New currents and modern directions in astronomy

Recently, progressive industries engaged in rather specific research in the field of astronomy began to appear in connection with the acceleration of many sciences.

• Gamma-astronomy explores space objects by radiation.
• X-ray astronomy is similar to the previous industry as a basis for research X-rays, which come from heavenly bodies.

Basic concepts in astronomy

What is the basic concepts of this science? In order for us to study the astronomy deeper, you need to familiarize yourself with the basics.

Cosmos is a totality of stars and interstellar space. In fact, this is the universe.

The planet is a specific celestial body that rotates in orbit around the star. This name is given only by heavy objects that are able to acquire a rounded form under the influence of their own gravity.

The star is a massive ball-shaped object consisting of gases within which thermonuclear reactions occur. The closest and famous star for us is the sun.

A satellite in astronomy is a heavenly body, rotating around an object, which is more in size and is held by gravity. Satellites are natural - for example, the moon, as well as artificially created person and launched into orbit to broadcast the necessary information.

The galaxy is a gravitational bunch of stars, their clusters, dust, gas and dark matter. All objects of the galaxies move relative to its center.

Nebula in astronomy is an interior space that has characteristic radiation and stands out on a general background of the sky. Before the appearance of powerful telescopic instruments, the galaxies were often confused with nebulae.

Declination in astronomy is a characteristic inherent in every celestial body. This is called one of the two coordinates, reflecting the angular distance from the cosmic equator.

Contemporary Terminology of Astronomy Science

Innovative study methods that were discussed earlier, contributed to the emergence of new astronomical terms:

"Exotic" objects - sources of optical, x-ray, radio and gamma radiation in space.

Quasar - simple words, it is a star with strong radiation. Its power may be greater than that of the whole galaxy. We see such an object in a telescope even at a huge distance.

Neutron Star - the last stage of the evolution of the heavenly body. This has an unimagound density. For example, the substance from which the neutron star consists of, which fit in a teaspoon, will weigh 110 million tons.

Astronomy connection with other sciences

Astronomy is a science that is closely related to various knowledge. In their research, it uses the achievements of many industries.

The problems of distribution on earth and in space of chemical elements and their compounds are a link between chemistry and astronomy. In addition, scientists have great interest to study the chemical processes occurring in space expanders.

The land can be considered as one of the planets of the solar system - this expresses astronomy with geography and geophysics. Relief of the globe, taking climate and seasonal changes for weather, warming, glacial periods - to study all these and many other phenomena, geographers use astronomical knowledge.

What was the basis for the birth of life? This is a common question for biology and astronomy. The overall works of the two specified sciences are aimed at solving the dilemma of the emergence of living organisms on the planet Earth.

An even closer relationship of astronomy with an environment, which considers the problem of the influence of cosmic processes on the Earth's biosphere.

Methods of observation in astronomy

The basis for collecting information in astronomy is observation. What ways can be observed for processes and objects in space and which toolkit is now applied for these purposes?

With a unarmed look, we can notice several thousand stars in the sky, but sometimes it seems that we see a whole million or a billion luminous bright dots. This spectacle in itself is exciting, although it can be noticed with the help of increasing devices.

Even the usual binoculars with the possibility of an eight-time increase gives the chance to see the inconspicuous number of celestial bodies, and the usual stars that we see and the unarmed look become much brighter. The most interesting object for contemplation in binoculars is the moon. Already with a slight increase, you can see some crater.

The telescope also gives you the opportunity to see not just the stains of the seas on the moon. Watching the starry sky with the help of this instrument, you can explore all the features of the relief of the earthly satellite. Also, the unprecedented galaxies and nebulae opens the observer.

Contemplation of the starry sky in the telescope is not only a very exciting occupation, but sometimes quite useful for science. Many astronomical discoveries were committed by non-research institutes, but simple lovers.

Astronomy value for man and society

Astronomy is an interesting science and useful at the same time. Nowadays, astronomical methods and tools are used for:

Instead of pre-school

Given all the above, nobody can doubt the utility and the need for astronomy. This science helps better understand all aspects of human existence. She gave us knowledge about and opened access to interesting information.

With the help of astronomical research, we can study our planet more detail, as well as gradually move deep into the universe to learn more about the space around us.

→ What is astronomy?

Raising her eyes to the starry sky in a warm flight night, each of us thinks - and what is there, how is it all arranged and who are we in this universe? Thoughts about the strugnure of the earthly existence and the immensity of the cosmic, thoughts about great and small, that the sky is black velvet, and the stars are milk drops, and in the afternoon there will be clouds ... All this is a lyrics, and scientists peer in the starry sky at all With another approach. And the results of their research are striking every time more and more. So what does the science of astronomy do? And why is it needed?

What does the science of astronomy study?

Astronomy - This is a science that is engaged in the study of the structure. It is studying the location, movement, physical nature, the origin and evolution of the heavenly bodies and systems. The fundamental properties of the universe surrounding us are also the subject of studying astronomy. If more specifically, astronomy studies the sun and other stars, planets and their satellites, black holes, galaxies and nebulae, quasars, asteroids and much more. Astronomy is such a science that is designed to explain the incomprehensible phenomena taking place in the Universe and explaining our lives.

When did astronomy appear?

It can be said that astronomy appeared at the moment when a person began to ask himself about the device of our world. The first ideas about the universe were very primitive, they proceeded from religion. Already from 6-4 century. BC. People began to study the stars and their movement. With the development of mathematical knowledge and physical research, the representations of a person about the universe were improved. The first astronomical revolution occurred in 1500 BC. - It was then that spherical astronomy arose, an accurate calendar appeared, which means astrometry. The priests of the Babylon, which constituted astronomical tables, calendars of the Mayan tribes, the information preserved since the time of the ancient China and Ancient Egypt - all this stood at the origins of astronomy. For the first time, the ancient Greek scientists, in particular Pythagoras, suggested that the earth has the shape of a ball, Aristarh Samos - that the Earth revolves around. The main achievement of this period is the emergence of the geocentric theory of the world. A significant contribution to the development of astronomy was made by Galilee.

Astronomy as hobby

Astronomy and cosmonautics have always been interested in and attracted millions of people. Astronomers of lovers in the world do not read, often thanks to it there are many astronomical discoveries. For example, in 2009, Australian Anthony Wesley, watching Jupiter, discovered traces of the fall of the cosmic body on the planet, presumably it could be a comet.

With the help of astronomy, we will know the laws of nature and see the gradual evolution of our world. Astronomy largely determines the worldview of people. At the beginning of the XXI century, space topics about and aliens became popular, unfortunately, very often very incompetent. The interest of journalists not disassembled in matters of space, opinions based on unconfirmed facts make many people believe in pseudo-discovered discoveries.

Today, a huge amount of high-quality scientific videos about space, various stars, planets and galaxies is created and created: superbly performed graphics and real shooting from space will not leave you indifferent and will help you better understand this interesting science - astronomy. Some of these films you can see below.

Etymology

Astronomy structure as a scientific discipline

Overgalactic Astronomy: gravitational linance . Several blue loop-like objects, which are multiple images of one galaxy, reproduced due to the effect gravitational lenses From the accumulation of yellow galaxies near the center of the photo. The lens is created by a gravitational field of cluster, which twists the light rays, which leads to an increase and distortion of the image of a more distant object.

Modern astronomy is divided into a number of sections that are closely related to each other, so the separation of astronomy is somewhat conditional. The main sections of astronomy are:

• Astrometry - Examines visible positions and movements of the shone. Previously, the role of astrometry was also in the high-precision definition of geographic coordinates and time by learning the movement of heavenly shining (now for this other methods are used). Modern astrometry consists of:
  • fundamental astrometry, the tasks of which are to determine the coordinates of celestial bodies from observations, drawing up directories of star positions and determining the numerical values \u200b\u200bof astronomical parameters, - values \u200b\u200bthat allow us to consider the natural changes in the coordinate coordinates;
  • spherical astronomy developing mathematical methods for determining visible provisions and movements of celestial bodies using various coordinate systems, as well as the theory of natural changes in the coordinate coordinates with time;
• Theoretical Astronomy gives methods to determine the orbits of celestial bodies according to their visible provisions and methods for calculating ephemeride (visible provisions) of the celestial bodies according to the known elements of their orbits ( inverse task).
• Heavenly Mechanics He studies the laws of the movements of celestial bodies under the action of the world's strength, determines the masses and shape of the celestial bodies and the stability of their systems.

These three sections are mainly solving the first task of astronomy (the study of the movement of the celestial bodies), and they are often called classical Astronomy.

• Astrophysics It is studying the structure, physical properties and the chemical composition of the celestial objects. It is divided into: a) practical (observational) astrophysics, in which practical methods of astrophysical studies and appropriate tools and instruments are developed and applied; b) theoretical astrophysics, in which, on the basis of the laws of physics, are given an explanation by observed physical phenomena.

A number of sections of astrophysics are allocated by specific research methods.

• Star Astronomy studies the patterns of spatial distribution and movement of stars, star systems and interstellar matter, taking into account their physical characteristics.

In these two sections, the issues of the second task of astronomy are mainly solved (the structure of the celestial bodies).

• Cosmogony Considers the issues of origin and evolution of the heavenly bodies, including our Earth.
• Cosmology Learn the general patterns of the structure and development of the universe.

Based on all the knowledge gained on the heavenly bodies, the last two sections of astronomy solve its third task (the origin and evolution of the heavenly bodies).

The course of general astronomy contains a systematic statement of information about basic methods and the main results obtained by various sections of astronomy.

One of the new ones formed only in the second half XX century Directions is archeoAstronomy which studies the astronomical knowledge of the ancient people and helps date the ancient facilities based on the phenomenon precession Earth.

Star Astronomy

Planetary Nebula Ant - MZ3. The gas release from the dying central star shows a symmetric model, in contrast to the chaotic images of ordinary explosions.

Almost all elements are heavier than hydrogen and helium , form In stars.

Astronomy objects

Evolution of Galaktik

Tasks of astronomy

The main tasks astronomy are:

1. Study visible and then actual positions and movements heavenly Tel In space, the definition of their size and shape.
2. Studying the structure of heavenly bodies, research chemical composition I. physical properties (density, temperature, etc.) of substances in them.
3. Solving the problems of origin and the development of individual celestial bodies and systems formed by them.
4. Study of the most common properties Universe , construction of the theory of the observed part Universe - Metagalaxy.

The solution of these tasks requires the creation of effective research methods - both theoretical and practical. The first task is solved by the long observations started in ancient times, as well as on the basis of laws mechanics Already known about 300 years. Therefore, in this area of \u200b\u200bastronomy, we have the richest information, especially for relatively close to Earth Heavenly bodies: Moon , Sun. , planet , asteroids etc.

The solution of the second challenge was made possible due to the advent of spectral analysis and photos . The study of the physical properties of heavenly tel began in the second half XIX century , and the main problems - only in recent years.

The third task requires the accumulation of the observed material. Currently, such data is not enough to accurately describe the process of origin and the development of celestial bodies and their systems. Therefore, knowledge in this area is limited to common considerations and a number of more or less plausible hypotheses.

The fourth task is the most large-scale and most difficult. Practice shows that it has no existing physical theories to solve it. It is necessary to create a more general physical theory capable of describing the state substances and physical processes for limit values density , temperature , pressure . To solve this task requires observational data in the regions Universe Located at distances of several billion light years. Modern technical capabilities do not allow in detail these areas. Nevertheless, this task is now the most relevant and successfully solved by astronomers of a number of countries, including Russia.

History of astronomy

Even in ancient times, people noticed the relationship of the movement of heavenly shining in the sky and periodic weather changes. Astronomy was then thoroughly mixed with astrology . The final allocation of scientific astronomy occurred in epoch of Renaissance and took a long time.

Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences that originated from the practical needs of humanity. By the location of the stars and constellations, primitive farmers determined the occurrence of the time of the year. Nomadic tribes focused on the sun and stars. The need for the summer led to the creation of a calendar. There is evidence that still prehistoric people knew about the main phenomena associated with the sunrise and sunset, the moon and some stars. The periodic repeatability of the eclipses of the Sun and the Moon was known for a very long time. Among the ancient written sources there are descriptions of astronomical phenomena, as well as primitive design schemes for predicting the time of the sunrise and the import of bright celestial bodies and the methods of reference time and calendar. Astronomy successfully developed in ancient Babylon, Egypt, China and India. The Chinese chronicles describe the eclipse of the Sun, which took place in the 3rd millennium BC. E. Theories that, on the basis of developed arithmetic and geometry, were explained and predicted the movement of the Sun, Moon and Bright Planets, were created in the countries of the Mediterranean in the last centuries of the Doharistian era and together with simple, but effective devices, served practical purposes to the Renaissance.

Especially large development reached astronomy in ancient Greece. Pythagoras For the first time came to the conclusion that the earth has a spherical shape, and Aristarh Samossky suggested that the earth rotates around the sun. Hipparch in 2nd. BC e. Compiled one of the first star catalogs. In the work of Ptolemy " Almagest "Written in 2 tbsp. n. e., outlined. The geocentric system of the world, which was generally accepted for almost one and a half thousand years. In the Middle Ages, astronomy has achieved significant development in the countries of the East. At 15 in. Ulugbeck Built near Samarkand observatory with accurate tools at that time. Here was the first after Hippark the catalog of the stars. From the 16th century The development of astronomy in Europe begins. New demands were put forward in connection with the development of trade and navigation and the emergence of industry, contributed to the liberation of science from the influence of religion and led to a number of major discoveries.

The birth of modern astronomy is associated with the refusal of the Geocentric system of the People's Ptolemy (II century) and the replacement of its heliocentric system Nikolai Copernicus (middle of the XVI century), with the beginning of research of celestial bodies using a telescope ( Galilee , early XVII century) and the discovery of the law of world attraction ( Isaac Newton , end of the XVII century). The XVIII-XIX century were for astronomy a period of accumulation of information and knowledge about the solar system, our galaxy and the physical nature of the stars, the sun, planets and other cosmic bodies. The emergence of large telescopes and the implementation of systematic observations led to the discovery that the Sun is part of a huge disk-shaped system consisting of many billion stars - galaxies . At the beginning of the 20th century, astronomers found that this system is one of the millions of such galaxies. The opening of other galaxies has become an impetus for the development of extragalactic astronomy. The study of the spectra of galaxies allowed Edwina Hubble In 1929, reveal the phenomenon of "Galaktik's runoff", which later received explanations based on the overall expansion of the universe.

In the XX century, astronomy was divided into two main branches: observational and theoretical. Observation astronomy focuses on observations of celestial bodies, which are then analyzed with the help of basic laws of physics. Theoretical Astronomy is focused on developing models (analytical or computer) to describe astronomical objects and phenomena. These two branches complement each other: theoretical astronomy is looking for explanations by the results of observations, and observational astronomy is used to confirm theoretical conclusions and hypotheses.

The Scientific and Technical Revolution of the 20th century had an extremely large influence on the development of astronomy as a whole and especially astrophysics. The creation of high-resolution optical and radio telescopes, the use of missiles and artificial satellites of Earth for nonathmapper astronomical observations led to the discovery of new types of space bodies: radio-belaxes, quasars, pulsars, x-ray sources, etc. The basics of the theory of the evolution of stars and space Systems. The achievement of astrophysics of the XX century was the relativistic cosmology - the theory of the evolution of the Universe as a whole.

2009 was announced by the UN International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009). The main emphasis is placed on increasing public interest and an understanding of astronomy. This is one of the few sciences where non-professionals can still play an active role. Amateur astronomy contributed to a number of important astronomical discoveries.

Astronomical observations

In astronomy, information is mainly obtained from identifying and analyzing visible light and other electromagnetic radiation spectra in space. Astronomical observations can be separated in accordance with the area of \u200b\u200bthe electromagnetic spectrum in which measurements are carried out. Some parts of the spectrum can be observed from the ground (that is, its surfaces), and other observations are carried out only at large altitudes or in space (in spacecraft in the Earth orbit). Detailed information about these studies are given below.

Optical astronomy

Historically, optical astronomy (which is also called the astronomy of visible light) is the most ancient form of the study of space - astronomy. The optical image was first painted by hand. At the end of the XIX century and most of the twentieth century, studies were carried out on the basis of images that were obtained using photos made in photographic equipment. Modern images are obtained using digital detectors, in particular detectors based on instruments with charge tie (CCD). Although the visible light covers the range from about 4000 ǻ up to 7000 ǻ (400-700 nanometers), the equipment used in this range can also be applied to study the ultraviolet and infrared dases close to it.

Infrared Astronomy

Infrared astronomy concerns research, identifying and analyzing infrared radiation in space. Although the wavelength is close to the wavelength of visible light, infrared radiation is strongly absorbed by the atmosphere, in addition, the atmosphere of the Earth has significant infrared radiation. Therefore, observatory for studying infrared radiation should be located at high and dry places or in space. The infrared spectrum is useful for studying objects that are too cold to radiate the visible light of such objects such as planets and around stellar discs. Infrared rays can pass through the clouds of dust, absorbing visible light, which allows you to observe young stars in molecular clouds and galaxies nuclei. Some molecules are powerfully emitted in the infrared range, and this can be used to study chemical processes in space (for example, to identify water in comets).

Ultraviolet astronomy

Ultraviolet astronomy is mainly used for detailed observation in ultraviolet wavelengths from about 100 to 3200 ǻ (from 10 to 320 nanometers). The light on these wavelengths is absorbed by the atmosphere of the Earth, so the study of this range is performed from the upper layers of the atmosphere or from space. Ultraviolet astronomy is better suitable for studying hot stars (of the star), since the bulk of the radiation is necessary for this range. This includes studies of blue stars in other galaxies and planetary nebulae, supernova residues, active galactic nuclei. However, ultraviolet radiation is easily absorbed by interstellar dust, so during the measurement should be corrected for the presence of the latter in the space environment.

Radio astronomy

Super-hand array of radio telescope (eng. Very Large Array) in Sirocco, New Mexico, USA

Radio astronomy is a study of radiation with a wavelength, greater than one millimeter (approximately). Radio astronomy differs from most other types of astronomical observations by the fact that the radio waves under study can be considered as waves, and not as separate photons. So, you can measure both amplitude and radio wave phases, and it is not so easy to do on the ranges of short waves.

Although some radio waves are emitted by astronomical objects in the form of heat radiation, most radio emission observed from the Earth is a synchrotron radiation by origin, which occurs when electrons move in a magnetic field. In addition, some spectral lines are formed by interstellar gas, in particular, a spectral line of neutral hydrogen with a length of 21 cm.

In the radio view there is a wide variety of space objects, in particular supernovae, interstellar gas, pulsars and active kernels of galaxies.

X-ray astronomy

X-ray astronomy studies astronomical objects in the X-ray range. Usually objects emit X-rays due to:

Since X-ray radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere of the Earth, X-ray observations are mainly carried out from orbital stations, missiles or spacecraft. The known X-ray sources in space include: X-ray double stars, pulsars, supernova residues, elliptical galaxies, accumulations of galaxies, as well as active galaxies kernels.

Gamma Astronomy

Astronomical gamma rays appear in the studies of astronomical objects with a short wavelength of the electromagnetic spectrum. Gamma rays can be observed directly with satellites as Telescope Compton or specialized telescopes that are called Cerenkova's atmospheric telescopes. These telescopes actually do not measure the gamma rays directly, and fix the outbreaks of the visible light, which are formed by absorbing the gamma rays of the Earth's atmosphere, as a result of various physical processes occurring with charged particles, which occur when absorbing, like the effect of componton or Cherenkov radiation.

Most of the sources of gamma radiation are actually sources of gamma bursts, which radiate only gamma rays over a short period of time from several milliseconds to a thousand seconds before being dispelled in space space. Only 10% of the sources of gamma radiation is not transitional sources. Stationary gamma sources include pulsars, neutron stars and candidates for black holes in active galactic nuclei.

Astronomy fields that are not based on an electromagnetic spectrum

Earth, based on very large distances, not only electromagnetic radiation, but also other types of elementary particles.

A new direction in the variety of methods of astronomy can be a gravitational-wave astronomy, which seeks to use gravitational wave detectors to collect observational data on compact objects. Several observatories have already been built, for example, a laser interferometer of the LIGO gravitational observatory, but the gravitational waves are very difficult to detect, and they still remain unalligible.

Planetary Astronomy also uses direct study using spacecraft and research missions of type "on samples and back" (SAMPLE RETURN). These include mission flights using sensors; Drop vehicles that can conduct experiments on the surface of objects, as well as allow remote sensing of materials or objects and the delivery mission to the land of samples for direct laboratory studies.

Astrometry and Heavenly Mechanics

One of the oldest subsections of astronomy, is measured by the position of the heavenly objects. This branch of astronomy is called astrometry. Historically, accurate knowledge of the location of the Sun, Moon, Planets and Stars play an extremely important role in navigation. Careful measurements of the location of the planets led to a deep understanding of gravitational perturbations, which made it possible to determine their location in the past with high accuracy and provide for the future. This branch is known as heavenly mechanics. Now the tracking of near-earth objects allows prediction of rapprochement with them, as well as possible collisions of various objects with Earth.

Measurements of star parallaxes of the nearest stars is a foundation for determining distances in the far space, which is used to measure the scale of the universe. These measurements provided the basis for determining the properties of remote stars; Properties can be compared with neighboring stars. Measurement of radial speeds and their own movements of heavenly bodies allows you to explore the kinematics of these systems in our galaxy. Astrometric results can be used to measure the distribution of dark matter in the galaxy.

In the 1990s, astrometric methods of measuring stellar oscillations were applied to detect large extraction planets (planets in adjacent stars orbits).

Outpatimospheric astronomy

Studies with cosmic technology occupy a special place among the methods of studying the heavenly bodies and the space environment. The beginning was launched in the USSR in 1957 the world's first artificial satellite. Spacecraft allowed research in all ranges of electromagnetic radiation wavelengths. Therefore, modern astronomy is often called Mozvolnova. Outatimopher observations allow you to take in space of radiation that absorbs or changes the earth's atmosphere: radio emission of some wavelengths does not reach the Earth, as well as the corpuscular radiation of the Sun and other bodies. The study of these, previously inaccessible types of radiation of stars and nebulae, interplanetary and interstellar medium has greatly enriched our knowledge of the physical processes of the Universe. In particular, unknown earlier sources of X-ray radiation were opened - X-ray pulsars. Much information about the nature of the bodies remote from us and their systems also analyzed due to the studies made using the installed spectrographs on various spacecraft.

Theoretical Astronomy

Main article: Theoretical Astronomy

Astronomers of theorists use a wide range of tools that include analytical models (for example, polytropags waiting for approximate stars' behavior) and calculations of numerical simulation. Each of the methods has its advantages. An analytical model of the process, as a rule, better makes it clear the essence of why this (something) occurs. Numerical models may indicate the presence of phenomena and effects, which, probably, would not be seen otherwise.

Astronomy theorists are striving to create theoretical models and find out in studies of the consequences of these modeling. This allows observers to search for data that may refute the model or helps in choosing between several alternative or contradictory models. Theorists also experiment in creating or modifying the model with new data. In case of inconsistencies, the general trend is an attempt to make minimal changes to the model and correct the result. In some cases, a large amount of contradictory data with time can lead to a complete abandonment of the model.

Threads that study theoretical astronomers: star dynamics and evolution of galaxies; large-scale structure of the universe; the origin of cosmic rays general theory of relativity and physical cosmology, in particular cosmology of stars and astrophysics. Astrophysical relativity serve as a tool for assessing the properties of large-scale structures for which gravity plays a significant role in physical phenomena and the basis for studies of black holes, astrophysics and the study of gravitational waves. Some are widely accepted and studied theories and models in astronomy, now included in the LAMBDA-CDM model, a large explosion, expansion of space, dark matter and fundamental physics theories.

Amateur astronomy

Astronomy is one of the sciences in which the contribution of lovers can be significant. In general, all amateur astronomers are watching various celestial objects and phenomena in greater volume than scientists, although their technical resource is much less than the possibility of state institutions, sometimes the equipment they build themselves on their own (as it was 2 more centuries ago). Finally, most scientists came out of this environment. Main objects of observation of amateur astronomers: moon, planets, stars, comets, meteor and various objects of deep sky, namely: star clusters, galaxies and nebulae. One of the branches of amateur astronomy, amateur astrophotography, provides for photographing sites of the night sky. Many lovers would like to specialize in the observation of individual objects, types of objects, or types of events that interest them.

Amateur astronomers and continue to contribute to astronomy. Indeed, it is one of the few disciplines where the contribution of amateurs can be significant. Quite often, they spend point dimensions that are used to clarify the orbits of small planets, in part, they also show comets, perform regular observations of stars variable. And achievements in the field of digital technologies allowed fans to achieve impressive progress in the field of astrophotography.

see also

	Portal « Astronomy »
	Astronomy in Vikislovar
	Astronomy in a wiki scientist
	in Wikitek
	Astronomy on wikisklad
	Astronomy in wiking

Codes in knowledge classification systems

• State reform of scientific and technical information (Untilty) (as of 2001): 41 Astronomy

Notes

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1. What is studying astronomy. Astronomy connection with other sciences, its meaning

Astronomy * - Science, learning movement, structure, origin and development of celestial bodies and their systems.The knowledge gained is applied to the practical needs of humanity.

* (This word comes from two Greek words: Astronon - Luminous, Star Inomos - Law.)

Astronomy is one of the most ancient sciences, it originated on the basis of human practical needs and developed with them. Elementary astronomical information has already been known for thousands of years ago in Babylon, Egypt, China and were used by the peoples of these countries to measure time and orientation on the sides of the horizon.

And in our time, astronomy is used to determine the exact time and geographic coordinates (in navigation, aviation, cosmonautics, geodesy, cartography). Astronomy helps the study and development of outer space, the development of cosmonautics and the study of our planet from space. But this is far from being exhausted by the task.

Our land is part of the Universe. The moon and the sun cause tides and flow. Solar radiation and changes affect the processes in the earth's atmosphere and the vital activity of organisms. Mechanisms of influence of various cosmic bodies on Earth also studies astronomy.

The Astronomy Course completes the physico-mathematical and natural science education received by you at school.

Modern astronomy is closely related to mathematics and physics, with biology and chemistry, with geography, geology and cosmonautics. Using the achievements of other sciences, it in turn enriches them, stimulates their development, putting out all new tasks before them.

Studying astronomy, it is necessary to pay attention to what information are reliable facts, and which are scientific assumptions that can change over time.

Astronomy studies in space a substance in such states and scales, which are not feasible in laboratories, and this expands the physical picture of the world, our ideas about matter. All this is important for the development of a dialectical and materialistic idea of \u200b\u200bnature.

Predicallying the offensive of the eclipses of the Sun and the Moon, the appearance of comet, showing the possibility of a natural science explanation of the origin and evolution of the Earth and other celestial bodies, astronomy confirms that there is no limit to human knowledge.

In the last century, one of the idealist philosophers, proving the limitations of human knowledge, argued that, although people were able to measure the distances to some of the shining, they would never be able to determine the chemical composition of stars. However, spectral analysis was opened soon, and astronomers not only established the chemical composition of the atmosphere of stars, but also determined their temperature. Many other attempts to indicate the boundaries of human knowledge were insolvent. Thus, scientists first theoretically estimated the temperature of the lunar surface, then measured it from the ground using thermoelement and radiometers, then these data were confirmed by the instruments of automatic stations created and sent by people to the moon.

2. Science of the Universe

You already know that the natural satellite of the Earth - the moon is the nearest to us with the heavenly body, that our planet, along with other large and small planets, is part of the solar system that all planets are treated around the sun. In turn, the sun, like all the stars visible in the sky, part of our star system - galaxies. The size of the galaxy is so great that even the light spreading at a rate of 300,000 km / s is the distance from one edge to another for another one hundred thousand years. There are many such galaxies in the Universe, but they are very far away, and we can only see one of them with the naked eye - Andromeda Nebula.

Distances between individual galaxies are usually ten times higher than their dimensions. To more clearly imagine the scale of the universe, carefully examine Figure 1.

Stars are the most common type of celestial bodies in the universe, and the galaxies and their clusters - its main structural units. The space between the stars in galaxies and between the galaxies is filled with very sparse matter in the form of gas, dust, elementary particles, electromagnetic radiation, gravitational and magnetic fields.

Studying the laws of movement, the structure, the origin and development of the celestial bodies and their systems, astronomy gives us an idea of \u200b\u200bthe structure and development of the Universe as a whole.

Peel into the depths of the universe, to study the physical nature of celestial bodies with the help of telescopes and other devices, which have modern astronomy due to the successes achieved in various fields of science and technology.