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Astronomy

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Astronomy at University of Cambridge »
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⇑Astronomy at University of Cambridge

Language: English Studies in English

Subject area: physical science, environment

University website: www.cam.ac.uk

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

⇑Definitions and quotes

Astronomy

Astronomy (from Greek: ἀστρονομία) is a natural science that studies celestial objects and phenomena. It applies mathematics, physics, and chemistry, in an effort to explain the origin of those objects and phenomena and their evolution. Objects of interest include planets, moons, stars, galaxies, and comets; the phenomena include supernova explosions, gamma ray bursts, and cosmic microwave background radiation. More generally, all phenomena that originate outside Earth's atmosphere are within the purview of astronomy. A related but distinct subject, physical cosmology, is concerned with the study of the Universe as a whole.

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Astronomy

Socrates: Shall we set down astronomy among the objects of study? Glaucon: I think so, to know something about the seasons, the months and the years is of use for military purposes, as well as for agriculture and for navigation. Socrates: It amuses me to see how afraid you are, lest the common herd of people should accuse you of recommending useless studies.

Socrates as quoted by Plato. In Richard Garnett, Léon Vallée, Alois Brandl (eds.), The Universal Anthology: A Collection of the Best Literature (1899), Vol. 4, 111.

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Astronomy

My lord, they say five moons were seen tonight:
Four fixed, and the fifth did whirl about
The other four in wondrous motion.

William Shakespeare, King John (1598), Act IV, scene 2, line 182.

Wikiquote

Astronomy

And God made two great lights, great for their use
To man, the greater to have rule by day,
The less by night, altern.

John Milton, Paradise Lost (1667; 1674), Book VII, line 346.

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