Astrology is a pseudo-science which claims that the positions of the heavenly bodies have an effect on the lives of human beings and events on Earth. Astrology has many of the trappings of real science, like math and complicated diagrams and a specialized vocabulary, but astrologers do not follow the scientific method. Real scientists make careful measurements in well-controlled studies. Astrologers don't do experiments to prove their theories.

Astronomy is the science of the universe. Astrology tries to link the position of the planets with human character and destiny. Astrology is rubbish, and no sensible person would believe in it. See similar questions...

Technically speaking, astronomy is the science of measuring the positions and characteristics of heavenly bodies, and astrophysics is the application of physics to understand astronomy. However, nowadays, the two terms are more or less interchangeable since all astronomers generally use physics to understand their findings. (My husband tells people I'm an astrophysicist because sometimes when he says I'm an astronomer they think I do astrology.) See similar questions...

You can read this screen because your eyes detect light. Light consists of electromagnetic waves. The different colors of light are electromagnetic waves of different lengths. Visible light, however, covers only a small part of the range of wavelengths in which electromagnetic waves can be produced. Radio waves are electromagnetic waves of much greater wavelength than those of light. See similar questions...

The World Wide Web is a gold mine of information on astronomy and space science. This includes everything from on-line astronomy courses to archives of thousands of astronomical images. An excellent starting point is the AstroWeb site. See similar questions...

Solar astronomers can easily justify their object of study, since the Sun sustains all life on earth. In addition, certain behaviors of the Sun have a dramatic effect on our daily lives. The 11 year cycle of solar activity includes huge solar flares and large numbers of sunspots at its peak. This results in charged particles bombarding the earth and interfering with telecommunications, power grids, and even the yield of semiconductor chip production. See similar questions...

Simplificating, radio astronomical research concentrates on the evolution of the Universe by focussing on magnetic fields. In contrast, the optical astronomy observes the thermal processes of the Universe. So, we can "see" with our radio telescopes physical phenomena within the stars and the galaxies, that remain invisible in other wavelengths. See similar questions...

Astrology allows insight into your own personality, motivations, beliefs, and early environmental factors we have internalized that affect our decision making. Astrology can provide insight into how these factors may unfold in probable fashion through future planetary aspects and progressed measurements. It can give us insight into others and therefore increase understanding and depth in our relationships. See similar questions...

You can use virtually any binocular to enjoy the night sky, but some binoculars are better than others. Generally, a dedicated astronomy binocular has a magnification of at least 7x to 8x, and an aperture of at least 40mm. Amateur astronomer's passion for binocular astronomy has led to the development of large aperture binoculars that can rival the light gathering power of small telescopes. See similar questions...

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a facility of the National Science Foundation, operated by Associated Universities, Inc., a nonprofit research organization. The NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the scientific community. We conceive, design, build, operate and maintain radio telescopes used by scientists from around the world. See similar questions...

There are about 100 U.S. colleges and universities that offer a Ph.D. in astronomy and many more that offer other degrees. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has a career brochure with advice on selecting an appropriate college. (See question #14 in this FAQ for ordering information.) When selecting a college, consider your preference for a small school or a large university and visit the campus before making a final decision. See similar questions...

No, many astronomers majored in physics in college. Physics can give you a more enriched education in the physical sciences. Students with a strong core of physics classes in addition to some astronomy research experience are most attractive to astronomy graduate school admissions committees. Depending on the program, this can be obtained with a degree in either physics or astronomy. A Bachelor of Science (B.S. See similar questions...

Yes! Examples include jobs in computing and image processing, as a science librarian, science educator, planetarium or science museum director, instrument designer or builder, and observing technician. At NOAO, only about 1 in 6 staff members is an astronomer, meaning for every astronomer, there are 5 technical support positions on the payroll such as telescope operator, observing assistant, optical engineer, design drafting technician, and more. See similar questions...