Transcript Astronomy and Astrology, what is a science

Astronomy
A True Science
Astronomy
Astronomy – The study of the area (and its
contents) extending from beyond the Earth’s
atmosphere to the most distant reaches of
the Universe.
– Includes investigating other planets, and other
cosmic particles found in the universe.
– Employs the Scientific Method
What makes something a Science?
Ability to test concepts with experiments
Experiments can be replicated.
Follows a form of the Scientific Method.
Able to make predictions that can be tested.
Follows a logical series of investigations.
Theories based on proven facts or theories
and not beliefs.
Observable facts that are supported by
measurable data.
Astrology
“ The fault dear Brutus, is not in our stars,
but in ourselves, that we are underlings.”
– Cassius – Julius Caesar
By William Shakespeare
Astrology – fun but not science
Astrology – A _____________ involving
the belief that the position of celestial
objects influences events on Earth.
Potential Influences:
– ___________
– Earthquakes
– _______________
– _______________
Problems with Astrology
Not supported by experimentation
– Examples:
Of 2,978 couples who were married and 478 who divorced.
Incompatibly signed men and women got married as
frequently as compatible signed ones.
When the astrological readings of 22 subjects was reversed,
the subjects said the reading applied to them just as often as
people who were read the correct phrases.
Astrology’s influence on Astronomy
The study of the heavens probably began the instant humans
started observing the movements of the celestial bodies and
associating it with the seasons.
The first observational data appeared in Mesopotamia
between _____________ years ago.
– Records kept by early Babylonians document the positions of the sun,
moon, and stars!
– The Egyptians also contributed greatly to the science of Astronomy,
but little is known of their direct influence Many historians believed
they influenced the Greeks.
– The Ancient Greeks are credited as the first people to significantly
raise the level of understanding in the field of astronomy. Some
suggest that Greek “discoveries” should be credited to the Egyptians.
(You will investigate individual astronomers shortly)
The constellations and the signs of the zodiac can partially be
attributed to early astrologers.
The Zodiac
Historically all the heavenly objects moving around the earth
with in a narrow band of the sky.
Today we know that the planets move through the narrow
band of the sky because their orbits around the sun lie in
similar planes (fig. OV1.8)
The Zodiac is A narrow band in the celestial sphere where
the planets always move within.
Celestial Sphere –
Constellations
Constellation –
– Examples:
Leo, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Orion
Constellations are linked to various stories
Select a constellation from the zodiac and
we will discuss a myth associated with it.
Constellation homework. Due Friday