Astronomy

Astronomy is the branch of scientific study of the celestial objects such as stars, planets, etc, space, other natural objects in space, and the physical universe as a whole.

It is the oldest of the physical sciences that recognized the regularity of celestial motions and attempted to keep records. The first practical function of astronomy was to provide a basis for the calendar, the units of month and year. Observations of the sun, moon, stars, and planets also formed the basis of timekeeping and navigation in the ancient times.

Invention of optical telescope paved the way for better observation and accuracy and astronomy developed further. In modern days, several scientific developments, such as X-ray, radio frequencies, terrestrial and orbiting instruments, space probes etc, are also used for astronomical observations.

The planetary positions have been in use in the preparation of horoscopes in astrology since very ancient days of human civilizations of all over the world.