Astronomy term papers

 

What is Astronomy?

The word 'astronomy' comes from the Greek words 'astron', which means star, and 'nomy', which means a system of rules or knowledge.  'Astronomy', therefore, can be defined as  the scientific study of objects, matter, and energy outside of earth's atmosphere. More specifically, it is the study of the composition, dimensions, energy, positions, motion, chemical properties, energy, and evolution of celestial bodies.

History of Astronomy

Astronomy has captured the interest of humans since the beginning of civilization and continues to do so today.  In fact, Astronomy Day was created with the purpose of providing a way for the general public to interact with different astronomy organizations and groups.  Even Facebook has a page devoted to the astronomy picture of the day because of the extensive interest in this science.

Long ago, however, astronomy was limited to careful observations of the positions and movements of celestial bodies.  Later, in the 1400 and 1500s, the study of astronomy was largely advanced by such famous thinkers as Nicolaus Copernicus, Johannes Kepler, and Gallileo Galilei. Then, in the 1700s, new findings by Sir Isaac Newton contributed significantly to the scientific understanding of astronomy.  More recent contributions from Albert Einstein and from space exploration have had an equally significant impact on modern astronomy.

Careers in Astronomy

As a career choice, astronomers can work in government laboratories or observatories, planetariums, and science centers, and as researchers and as teachers.  To study the discipline of astronomy, strong physics and math skills are required as are strong written and spoken communication skills. There are two main branches of astronomy and each has several subfields.  The first branch, observational astronomy, includes optical astronomy, radio astronomy, ultraviolet astronomy, astrometry, and more.  The second branch, theoretical astronomy, includes solar astronomy, planetary science, galactic astronomy, cosmology to name just a few.  

Recently published Astronomy essays

  • This paper explains the importance of searching for planets outside the solar system that humans could live on.
    # 153949 | 0 words | 0 sources | 2014 | US
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  • An assessment of the contribution of Nicolaus Copernicus to the history and development of Western thought.
    # 153928 | 0 words | 0 sources | 2014 | CA
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  • A description and explanation of an experiment that uses a sub radar post to measure the planet Mercury's speed of rotation.
    # 153769 | 1,653 words | 6 sources | APA | 2008 | US
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  • A review of moon missions and the future of lunar exploration.
    # 153727 | 1,833 words | 20 sources | APA | 2013 | SA
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  • An argument that Galileo Galilei is an inspiration for all of mankind.
    # 153175 | 781 words | 3 sources | MLA | 2013 | US
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  • Explores literary responses to the Moon discoveries in Galileo's tome, "Sidereus Nuncius", and the people who created them.
    # 152364 | 4,700 words | 18 sources | MLA | 2011 | CA
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  • The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the topic of astronomy.
    # 150873 | 1,027 words | 3 sources | MLA | 2012 | US
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  • A discussion on three major scientific theories on the origins of the universe.
    # 150194 | 1,685 words | 6 sources | APA | 2012 | US
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  • A look at Galileo's contributions to science.
    # 150128 | 1,918 words | 3 sources | MLA | 2012 | US
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  • A look at the importance of investment in space exploration and programs.
    # 150050 | 1,559 words | 13 sources | MLA | 2012 | US
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