The Types Of Space Astronomy

First off, the general word astronomy is the study of outer space and everything in it to the last detail. In order to study all that mass it has to be broken down into separate categories. These are just a few types of space astronomy. Some of the different types include planetary, solar, stellar, and galactic. Understanding the different types of astronomy might give you a basic knowledge of how things are broken down in the universe.

Planetary astronomy and science studies the planets and moons, comets and asteroids, icy satellites and dwarf planets. They study the physical mass and composition of these bodies as well as the theories behind the formation of the planets mostly within our solar system. Computer simulation, mathematical modeling, or by physical means using a robotic vehicle to collect specimens are some of the ways to help study. Research can be conducted by earth based laboratories or space exploration. They examine the dust around younger stars and how they move through space. They also study interior and exterior surfaces, what their atmospheres are like and research the study gravity.

Solar astronomy studies only the sun and like stars, but because we can only research it from a distance, we are extremely limited on what we can learn. The sun is yet to be entirely understood, but is a major part of our universe. Every time the sun makes changes whether slight or significant it can and usually does affect the earth. Studying stars from birth to supernova, studying the gas storms, heat fluctuations and radiation from the sun is focused in this area of science.

In stellar astronomy the stars are the primary focus of this type of space astronomy. Areas that are studied in this type of astronomy include how stars are formed and their evolution. The two primary types of study include observational and theoretical. Observing the stars by optical and photographic means through studying the color and intensity of radiation flowing from the star. Taking specific phenomena that has been associated with stars, creating models and studying them are the theoretical practices in learning about stars. There are many instruments astronomers use to study stars, like allowing scientists to see wavelengths, and use the information so physical models of stars can be designed.

Galactic astronomy is focused on our own Milky Way Galaxy and includes the study of everything inside including nebulae, stars, stellar clusters and dust. While this specifically is the study of the Milky Way, extragalactic astronomy is focused on all other galaxies besides or own. Our own solar system is at home inside the Milky Way and is the most studied and understood, mostly because its closer and therefore easier to study. Due to scientific inventions, we have now mapped some areas of gas and dust clouds within our galaxy that were not possible before from limitations. There are many subcategories to galactic astronomy, but perhaps those will be saved for a future article.

The galaxy we live in is one out of hundreds if not thousands of galaxies out there. This task has to be broken up into different specialized areas of science if we are ever going to learn about the wonders it holds. In a universe that never ends and even though our scientific accomplishments can pierce through space which gives us the ability to see light years beyond what we ever thought possible, we have only touched on the knowledge it will give us.

Space Astronomy: The capacity to see distant planets and stars from the solitude of your own backyard is an amazing gift from the world of science to you. For a selection of telescopes and spotting scopes, visit us at Perception Optics to see how you can see the stars.