Astronomy is the oldest of the physical sciences

Astronomy has been a vital part of human civilization since ancient times, serving functions such as providing a basis for the calendar and aiding in navigation and timekeeping. The earliest astronomers, who were often priests, also practiced astrology.
  • #1
chesterdaly
8
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Astronomy is the oldest of the physical sciences. In many early civilizations the regularity of celestial motions was recognized, and attempts were made to keep records and predict future events. The first practical function of astronomy was to provide a basis for the calendar, the units of month and year being determined by astronomical observations. Later, astronomy served in navigation and timekeeping. The Chinese had a working calendar as early as the 13th cent. B.C. About 350 B.C., Shih Shen prepared the earliest known star catalog, containing 800 entries. Ancient Chinese astronomy is best known today for its observations of comets and supernovas. The Babylonians, Assyrians, and Egyptians were also active in astronomy. The earliest astronomers were priests, and no attempt was made to separate astronomy from astrology. In fact, an early motivation for the detailed study of planetary positions was the preparation of horoscopes.

continued...

http://www.answers.com/astronomy
 
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  • #2
So your point is? Sounds like an advertisement. Any Moderators agree?
 
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  • #3
The link simply gives a number of piece of information but I agree. I do not see the point in this thread at all. Advertising I do not think it is as a simple Google search would come up with this as site eventually.

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
  • #4
mankind was doing pretty advanced plant biology and basic chemistry when we thought the stars were merely the campfires of the sky tribes
 
  • #5
Chronos said:
So your point is? Sounds like an advertisement. Any Moderators agree?

certainly this one does
 

What is astronomy?

Astronomy is the study of celestial objects, such as stars, planets, galaxies, and the universe as a whole. It is the oldest of the physical sciences, dating back thousands of years.

Why is astronomy considered the oldest of the physical sciences?

Astronomy is considered the oldest of the physical sciences because it has been studied by humans for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Greeks. It was one of the first sciences to develop and has played a significant role in shaping our understanding of the natural world.

What makes astronomy different from other sciences?

Astronomy is different from other sciences because it deals with objects and phenomena that are outside of Earth's atmosphere. It also requires a unique set of tools and techniques for observation, such as telescopes and satellites. Additionally, astronomy often involves studying objects and events that are extremely distant and may have occurred in the distant past.

What are some key discoveries made in astronomy?

Astronomy has led to many important discoveries, including the heliocentric model of the solar system, the laws of planetary motion, the existence of galaxies, and the expanding universe. It has also provided insights into the origins of the universe and the fundamental laws of physics.

How does astronomy impact our daily lives?

Although astronomy may seem distant and abstract, it has many practical applications that impact our daily lives. For example, GPS technology relies on precise timing and location data from satellites, which would not be possible without the understanding of gravitational forces and orbital mechanics gained from astronomy. Astronomy also helps us understand and monitor natural phenomena such as eclipses, meteor showers, and solar flares, which can have potential impacts on Earth.

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