astronomy

Meanings

1. 1noununcountabletechnical

   The science that studies stars, planets, galaxies and everything else beyond Earth's atmosphere.

   Grammar: No plural and no article in general use: she studies astronomy.

   Patterns

   • study astronomy
   • an astronomy class

   She studied astronomy at university and now works at an observatory.

   Astronomy has shown that the universe is expanding.

   Our school has an astronomy club that meets on clear nights.

2. 2noununcountable

   A hobby of observing the night sky with the eye or a telescope.

   Grammar: Often described as amateur: amateur astronomy.

   Patterns

   • amateur astronomy
   • take up astronomy

   My uncle took up astronomy after he bought a telescope.

   Amateur astronomy is popular in places with dark skies.

   Astronomy night at the park drew a large crowd.

Common combinations

amateur astronomy

Amateur astronomy needs patience and a clear night.

study astronomy

Children enjoy studying astronomy on camping trips.

modern astronomy

Modern astronomy relies on space telescopes.

radio astronomy

Radio astronomy detects signals invisible to the eye.

astronomy club

The astronomy club shared a telescope with the town.

Synonyms and how they differ

astrophysics

Astrophysics focuses on the physics of stars and galaxies, while astronomy also includes observing and mapping.

stargazing

Stargazing is an informal pastime of looking at stars, not a formal science.

cosmology

Cosmology deals with the origin and structure of the whole universe, which is narrower than astronomy.

Word family

astronomer noun

a scientist who studies space

astronomical adjective

relating to astronomy, or extremely large

astronomically adverb

in an extremely large way

astronaut noun

a person who travels in space

Commonly confused: astronomy or astrology? astronomy or economy?

Practice

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