Space Astronomy And The Different Types

By Dale Smith

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 is a type of space astronomy that covers only the sun. The sun is a major part of the universe that has yet to be entirely understood. Due to the fact that we cannot get too close to the sun, we are limited in the research we can do. However, the sun has made significant changes and every time the sun changes it affects the earth. Studying the sun, the sun's changes, and how it affects the earth is focused in this type of astronomy.

Stellar astronomy is usually studied by both observing and using theoretical modeling. The primary focus of stellar astronomy being that of the stars, observing the various stages and how they form and develop. Looking at the radiation, intensity, and color of a star through photographic means is one way of observing. The other, theoretical modeling, is just that, taking and using known applications or phenomena then building a model. They can then base theories off these models by studying them.

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.

There are many different types of space astronomy. This is because there are so many factors and objects that make up the universe they need to be broken up into different sections. The universe consists of different galaxies, stars, comets, a huge entity known as the sun, and tons of planets. This is a vast and complex system broken down into many subsections to make it easier for us to learn about astronomy. - 32540

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