The universe from atom to galaxy is in a perpetual state of flux, such is the defiance of astronomy. In contrast to this, astrology compels us to believe that this continuous motion of interstellar objects has an impact on all spectrums of human life. Holding such incongruity, astronomy and astrology were terms used indistinguishably in ancient Greek mythology till late 1700s. For several million years, humans looked up to sky to the sky to seek help in navigation, forecast the natural events and even to interpret the positioning of the heavenly objects.
They used to have a strong belief that these constellations have a powerful influence on their lives. These two concepts were separated gradually from 17th century onwards until astrology was denounced as a pseudoscience and astrology and astronomy were declared to be entirely independent of each other.
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What is Astronomy?
Astronomy is defined as branch of science that deals with the study of the universe and it’s contents, such as planets, sun, moon, stars, the galaxies and other celestial objects outside the Earth. Astronomers observe the position, motion and characteristics of celestial bodies. Astronomy is purely a branch of natural sciences and it is further divided into observational and theoretical astronomy. Observational astronomy is concerned with observing the astral bodies and acquiring the data while theoretical astronomy is focused on development of analytical models to describe the astral bodies and phenomena.
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What is Astrology?
Astrology is the study of how the positioning and motion of celestial objects affects the personality of a person and every day events occurring in human life. It involves predicting the future based on the positions of celestial bodies relative to each other and organized into various grouping of zodiac sign. These zodiac signs, then predict the events that will eventually take place in a person’s life. Astrology is closely linked to art and religious beliefs rather than finding its connection to science.
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What Is The Difference Between Astronomy and Astrology?
Astronomy and astrology have the common roots and both of these fields are considered as oldest sciences. In early 20th century, with invention of telescopes, astronomy emerged as a modern science and astrology and astronomy were split into two separate disciplines. Astronomy uses scientific proofs and evidences from research to affirm the hypothesis and advancement in technology assists the astronomers to investigate the interstellar bodies, the mysteries of black hole and wormhole, the interconnection between the distant galaxies and planetary formation. Astrology, on the other hand, uses a few components of genuine science, such as specific vocabulary, mathematical calculations and puzzle graphs but with insignificant logical help. Scantiness of proofs and an ardent advocacy to superstitious and illogical beliefs leaves, astrology as a matter of controversy thus it falls under the umbrella of pseudoscience.
Astronomers employ the modern technologies such as telescopes attached to which are various tools like special made CCD cameras, a wide variety of filters, photometers and spectrometers to predict about major cosmical events such as solar and lunar eclipse, planetary formation, meteorological happenings and the explore the infinite vastness of the universe and the heavenly bodies. Astrologists utilize the knowledge of astronomical events for the description of human personality traits or to foretell the destiny of an individual in correspondence to the positioning of a specific celestial object or correlating fate to some natural occurrence.
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Science vs. Beliefs
Astronomy is the scientific study based entirely on the factual and logical evidences from research however, astrology concerns the beliefs of humans and we are part of an epoch where beliefs and traditions are ranked higher than logic and rationality. This is the reason that despite the fact that astrology finds no rational and scientific grounds, it is still eagerly studied and millions of people read their horoscopes daily for humans are curious and astrology catches this specific trait of humans!
