Why Are We So Fascinated by Astronomy?

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Astronomy is a fascinating, complex, and deeply explorable subject. Constellations, galaxies, asteroids, planets, comets have been studied by humankind since the age of exploration begun. An ever-developing subject of study, astronomy is affluent with exploration opportunities and ample of unanswered questions. Various researches and explorations beyond the skies explained ‘the reality’ over ‘what we think’. 

What is astronomy?

Astronomy is referred to as the study of celestial objects in the universe including space and the physical entities. The word astronomy was derived from Greek, where ‘Astron’ meaning ‘star’ and ‘nomos’ meaning ‘law’.

Historically, astronomy has focused on the study and exploration of heavenly bodies. Astronomy and astrophysics are closely related as astrophysics is the study of the physics (characteristics, motion, behavior, & properties) of celestial bodies. In modern studies, these terms are used interchangeably. 

What is the importance of astronomy?

Astronomy has contributed towards the humankind and the world in several aspects. The study of astronomy contributed to artificial communication, GPS, Satellite, X-Ray technology, industries, and so on.

Let’s understand how astronomy contributed to several fields of growth in the modern era of Science & Technology!

1. Medicine and Astronomy

Astronomy and study of the Human Body are believed to be infinitely large. Both genres require to be studied at obscured levels and exploring the already-found. These disciplines require high-resolution, accurate, and detailed images to study the phenomenon.

A notable transfer of knowledge between the techniques of these two studies is the technique of Aperture Synthesis developed by radio astronomer Martin Ryle. This technology is used in CAT Scanners, MRI Scanners, PET Scanners, and various imaging tools in medical studies.

2. Energy Sector and Astronomy

The technology used in X-Ray Telescopes is used during the discoveries of fossils and diverse renewable resources. CMOS sensor technology is also used to monitor plasma fusion in research work.

3. Industry and Astronomy

The telescopes and lab equipment use Astronomical Image Capture for capturing faraway objects. This technology is referred to as Charged Couple Devices in mobiles for better capturing and photography.

4. Everyday Life and Astronomy

The WLAN is astronomy-derived technology, which is used to strengthen the computer networks in large infrastructures.

X-Ray Observatory Technology is used as a luggage scanner on X-Ray Luggage Belts at airports.

A Gas Chromatograph (which is used for separating and analyzing compounds and designed for a Mars mission) is used at airport services to scan drugs/explosives in luggage.

A Gamma-Ray Spectrometer initially used to analyze lunar soil and its components are nowadays used as a non-invasive method to probe structural weakening of historical buildings or to look behind fragile objects. 

Conclusion

We use several astronomy-derived technologies in our day-to-day lifestyle without even noticing them, yet there are more of them. Moreover, astronomy is a fascinating topic to always be curious about consciously or subconsciously.

So, did you ever look up the night sky and think, how enchanting this sky is?

If yes, here is your answer for – How are we fascinated by Astronomy?

Written by - Shubh Jani

Edited by - Chhavi Gupta