Astronomy
/əˈstrɒ.nə.mi/noun
The scientific study of celestial bodies, such as stars, planets, comets, and galaxies.
Did you know?Ancient cultures believed that studying the stars held the key to predicting fate and influencing events on Earth, intertwining astrology and astronomy.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀστρονομία
“The law or arrangement of stars.”
14th Century
Latin
astronomia
“The study of celestial bodies.”
Late 16th Century
Middle English
astronomie
“The science of celestial observations and phenomena.”
Modern English
English
astronomy
“The systematic study of celestial objects and their movements.”