What is the difference between astrology and astronomy?

In summary, the conversation is about the difference between astrology and astronomy. Astrology is a pseudoscience that deals with predicting the future based on the movements of celestial bodies, while astronomy is a branch of science that studies the universe and its objects. Despite their shared origins, astrology has been discredited while astronomy remains a respected field of study.
  • #1
jobyts
227
64
Answer: About 50 IQ points
 
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  • #2
one ends in logy and the other ends in nomy.
 
  • #3
about $9.95 a minute
 
  • #4
jobyts said:
Answer: About 50 IQ points

Don't forget the 2000 years.
 
  • #5
A +50 IQ can believe in astrology.
 
  • #6
You can earn money with astrology but not with astronomy
 
  • #7
An astrologer needs to know a little astronomy.
 
  • #8
One is a branch of pseudoscience and the other is a branch of science?
 
  • #9
One is proof that mankind is not a rational thinking species.
 
  • #10
Andre said:
One is proof that mankind is not a rational thinking species.

That's not a nice thing to say about astronomy. :wink:
 
  • #11
At one time, it was thought that the Earth was the center of the Universe, and it made perfect sense to try to learn more about it by studying the heavens. Astrology was not always a pseudo-science. Using the night sky as a calendar was a valuable way to track the seasons and predict seasonal flooding of the Nile, for instance. That was valuable information. Some religions ascribed special significance to astronomical bodies (generally planets) and associated them with their gods. If you were an astrologer, it was good business to track their movements against the background stars and keep the emperor/king happy.

Today's practitioners of astrology are not scientists, but quacks preying on the gullible. A couple of thousand years ago, astrologers were well-respected observational astronomers.
 
  • #12
(nm-lg)astrooy
 

1. What is the main difference between astrology and astronomy?

Astronomy is a science that studies the physical universe, including the stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial bodies. It focuses on gathering and analyzing data through observations and experiments. On the other hand, astrology is a pseudoscience that attempts to interpret the influence of celestial bodies on human affairs and natural phenomena. It is based on the belief that the positions of the stars and planets at the time of a person's birth can affect their personality and future events.

2. Can astronomy and astrology be considered the same thing?

No, astronomy and astrology are two distinct fields of study. While they both involve the study of celestial bodies, they have different goals and methods. Astronomy seeks to understand the physical properties and behavior of these objects, while astrology focuses on their perceived influence on human life.

3. Are there any similarities between astronomy and astrology?

There are some similarities between astronomy and astrology, such as the use of charts and diagrams to study the positions of celestial bodies. However, the underlying principles and approaches of these two fields are fundamentally different.

4. Is astrology considered a science?

No, astrology is not considered a science by the scientific community. It does not follow the scientific method and lacks empirical evidence to support its claims. The predictions and interpretations made by astrologers are often based on subjective beliefs rather than objective data and observations.

5. What are some practical applications of astronomy compared to astrology?

Astronomy has numerous practical applications, including GPS technology, weather forecasting, and satellite communication. It also helps us understand the origins and evolution of the universe. On the other hand, astrology has no practical applications and is mainly used for entertainment or personal guidance.

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