Astronomy & Space Science
About Astronomy & Space Science
Astronomy and space science focus on exploring the universe beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Observers measure light from billions of stars in the Milky Way and map how galaxies move across space. Hands-on activities let people track planetary paths. They also analyze data from telescopes.
Researchers rely on telescopes to study distant objects. The Hubble Space Telescope delivered stunning images of nebulae and colliding galaxies. The Atacama Large Millimeter Array captures faint radio waves from cold gas clouds. Teams examine rocks, atmospheres and surfaces of moons and planets. The Cassini Huygens mission inspected Saturn’s rings and its moon Titan up close.
Astrophysics applies physical laws to stars, galaxies and galaxy clusters. Scientists uncover evidence for dark matter and for a force driving cosmic expansion. Space science leads to tools on Earth every day. One application guides cargo ships across oceans. Another helps meteorologists warn about severe storms. Satellite data powers telephone lines and television stations. Engineers build spacecraft and life support systems using ideas from robotic probes and crewed flights.