Astronomy is the scientific study of celestial objects, such as stars, planets, comets, and galaxies, as well as the phenomena that occur outside Earth’s atmosphere.

Astronomy has been practiced for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations observed the night sky and developed theories and myths to explain the celestial phenomena they witnessed. The Greeks, in particular, made significant contributions to early astronomy.

Astronomers use a variety of tools to observe and study the universe. Telescopes, both ground-based and space-based, are essential for collecting light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation. Other tools include spectrographs, cameras, and computer simulations.

Astronomy has led to numerous groundbreaking discoveries. Some major ones include the discovery of exoplanets (planets outside our solar system), the cosmic microwave background radiation, the expansion of the universe, and the existence of black holes.

Astronomy helps us understand the origins, evolution, and structure of the universe. It provides insights into the fundamental laws of physics and the nature of matter and energy. Additionally, astronomy has practical applications in navigation, timekeeping, and satellite communications.