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An astronomer is a scientist in the field of astronomy who focuses on a specific question or field outside the scope of Earth. Astronomers observe astronomical objects , such as stars , planets , moons , comets and galaxies – in either observational (by analyzing the data) or theoretical astronomy .
Observational astronomy is focused on acquiring data from observations of astronomical objects. This data is then analyzed using basic principles of physics. Theoretical astronomy is oriented toward the development of computer or analytical models to describe astronomical objects and phenomena. These two fields complement each other.
The following is a list of astronomers, astrophysicists and other notable people who have made contributions to the field of astronomy.They may have won major prizes or awards, developed or invented widely used techniques or technologies within astronomy, or are directors of major observatories or heads of space-based telescope projects.
This glossary of astronomy is a list of definitions of terms and concepts relevant to astronomy and cosmology, their sub-disciplines, and related fields. Astronomy is concerned with the study of celestial objects and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth. The field of astronomy features an extensive vocabulary and a ...
Radio astronomy – >300 μm; Submillimetre astronomy – 200 μm to 1 mm; Infrared astronomy – 0.7–350 μm; Optical astronomy – 380–750 nm; Ultraviolet astronomy – 10–320 nm; High-energy astronomy. Cosmic ray astronomy - charged particles with very high kinetic energy; X-ray astronomy – 0.01–10 nm; Gamma-ray astronomy – <0.01 nm
Stars can form part of a much larger gravitationally bound structure, such as a star cluster or a galaxy. Etymology The word "star" ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "h₂stḗr" also meaning star, but further analyzable as h₂eh₁s- ("to burn", also the source of the word "ash") + -tēr (agentive suffix).
The basic definition of Cosmology is the science of the origin and development of the universe. In modern astronomy, the Big Bang theory is the dominant postulation. Philosophy of cosmology is an expanding discipline, directed to the conceptual foundations of cosmology and the philosophical contemplation of the universe as a totality.
The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to astronomy: Astronomy – studies the universe beyond Earth, including its formation and development , and the evolution, physics , chemistry , meteorology , and motion of celestial objects (such as galaxies , planets , etc.) and phenomena that originate outside the ...