Astronomy

Astronomy

is the scientific study of everything

beyond Earth’s atmosphere, including planets,

stars, galaxies, and cosmic phenomena. It

focuses on the motion, physics, chemistry, and

evolution of celestial bodies, primarily

utilizing observational techniques to analyze

radiation emitted by them. It is one of the

oldest sciences

Astronomy

is one of the oldest natural sciences, beginning

with ancient civilizations like the Sumerians and

Babylonians (c. 3500–3000 BC) observing the sky for

agricultural, religious, and navigational purposes.

Prehistoric Astronomy

Early humans tracked

m o o n p h a s e s a n d

created alignments for

m o n u m e n t s l i k e

Stonehenge (c. 10,000+

BCE) and Nabta Playa.

Mesopotamian/Babylonian(c. 3000-1000 BCE)

R e c o r d e d a s t r o n o m i c a l

observations (positions of planets,

e c l i p s e s ) f o r a g r i c u lt u r a l

ca len d a r s a n d a s t r o met r y

( m a p p i n g t h e s k y ) . T h e y

introduced the 360-degree circle.

Ancient Greek Astronomy

Transitioned from observation to

theoretical science; they proposed

a spherical Earth and attempted to

measure its circumference.

Islamic Astronomy

P r e s e r v e d a n d

expanded upon Greek

knowledge, developing

instrument s like the

astrolabe for navigation.

Scientific Revolution(16th-17th Century)

Nicolaus Copernicus introduced

the heliocentric (Sun-centered)

model. Galileo Galilei applied the

telescope for cosmic discoveries

(Jupiter's moons), while Johannes

Kepler established the laws of

planetary motion.

Modern Astronomy(18th century present)

With Sir Isaac Newton’s laws of

gravity, and later developments

like the spectroscope, Hubble's

expansion discovery, and space-

based telescopes astronomers

n o w s t u d y t h e e n t i r e

electromagnetic spectrum

observational, theoretical

Astronomy is divided into ________, which gathers data

via electromagnetic spectrums (radio to gamma ray),

and _________, which models physical processes

Astrophysics

Applies physics to

explain the behavior,

structure, and

evolution of celestial

bodies

Astrometry

Focuses on the

precise positioning

and movements of

stars and other

celestial bodies.

Cosmology

Studies the origin, structure,

and evolution of the

universe, including the Big

Bang theory, dark matter,

and dark energy.

Planetary

Science

Studies planets,

moons, asteroids,

and comets, with an

emphasis on the

solar system.

Stellar Astronomy

Focuses on the life cycle,

structure, and evolution of

stars.

Gallactic & Extragalactic Astronomy

Investigates the structure of

our Milky Way and the

formation of other galaxies.

Galileo Galilei

O ft en ca l led t h e "f a t h er o f

observational astronomy," he was

the f irst to use a telescope for

systematic sky observations,

discovering Jupiter's moons, the

phases of Venus, and sunspots.

Nicolaus Copernicus

Formulated the heliocentric

model, placing the Sun, rather

than the Earth, at the center of

t h e s o l a r s y s t e m , t h u s

la unching t he Copernica n

Revolution.

Johannes Kepler

Developed the three laws of

planetary motion, which explained

that planets move in elliptical orbits,

providing the foundation for

modern celestial mechanics.

Edwin Hubble

Revolutionized modern cosmology

by proving that other galaxies

exist outside the Milky Way and

discovering that the universe is

expanding.

Carl Sagan

A prominent astronomer and

educator who popularised science

through the TV series Cosmos,

and made significant

contributions to planetary science,

including the study of the

greenhouse effect on Venus.

Dr. Rogel Mari Sese

A prominent computational

astrophysicist, Dr. Sese is recognized as

a major figure in the Philippine

astronomy industry. He was key to the

establishment of the Philippine Space

Agency (PhilSA) and formerly headed

the National Space Development

Program.

Dr. Jelly Grace B. Nonesa

As the first Filipina astrophysicist,

she is known for her work in X-ray

astronomy and research on dark

matter and molecular hydrogen

distribution, having conducted

research at Hiroshima University

and the Korea Advanced Institute

of Science and Technology.

Dante Ambrosio

Known as the "Father of Philippine

Ethnoastronomy," he was a history

professor at UP Diliman who

documented how Filipino

ancestors interpreted the stars

and seasons. He is best known for

his book Balatik: Katutubong

Bituin ng mga Pilipino.

Casimiro Villacin del Rosario

A national scientist recognized for

his pioneering work in physics and

astronomy in the Philippines, he

played a vital role in restoring the

war-damaged Philippine

Observatory and was instrumental

in establishing science education.

Edwin Aguirre & Imelda Joson

These two Filipina astronomers

made history by having an asteroid

named in their honor (Asteroid

6282 “Edwelda”) in 1995 for their

achievements, including

documenting Halley's Comet,

according to the PAGASA

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)

A U.S. agency leading in

space research, exploration technology,

and science.

International

Astronomical

Union (IAU)

Founded in 1919, this is the

internationally recognized authority for

naming celestial bodies (stars, planets,

asteroids) and coordinating research

among professional astronomers

worldwide.

The American Astronomical

Society (AAS)

serves professional

astronomers in North America,

publishing key journals

Royal Astronomical Society (RAS)

promotes astronomy and geophysics, primarily in the UK.

Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP)

A non-profit organization focused on

advancing science literacy and

astronomy education.

International Dark-Sky Association (IDA)

Dedicated to reducing light pollution and preserving the night sky

DOST-PAGASA

(Philippine Atmospheric,

Geophysical and

Astronomical Services

Administration)

This is the primary government agency

handling astronomical services,

including timekeeping, observational

astronomy, and the promotion of

astronomy in the country.

Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA)

Involved in space science research and

development

Astronomical League of the Philippines (ALP)

Formed in 2003, this is a prestigious

organization for both amateur and

professional astronomers, concentrating

on observational astronomy, imaging,

and instrumentation.

Philippine Astronomical Society (PAS)

One of the oldest and most active

astronomical organizations in the

country, focused on public outreach,

astronomy education, and organizing

community stargazing events.

University of the Philippines

Astronomical Society (UP AstSoc)

An academic-based organization active in organizing astronomy events and public education

NASA.gov

The primary source for space mission

updates, scientif ic discoveries, and educational

resources.

Space.com

A leading news site covering space exploration, astronomy, and technology.

Universe today

Detailed news articles on space and astronomy, often

with a focus on deep space discoveries.

Astronomy Magazine

Offers news, observing events, and articles geared

toward hobbyists.

Sky & Telescope

Features in-depth articles on astronomy, observing

techniques, and equipment reviews.

Astrophysics Data

System (ADS)

The primary digital library portal for researchers in astronomy and physics, containing over 15 million records including journal articles, preprints, and conference proceedings.

SIMBAD (Set of Identif ications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data)

is the def initive,

CDS-operated astronomical database for non-solar

sy st em ob ject s. It p r ov ides essen tia l cr oss-

identif ications, fundamental data (astrometry,

photometry, velocity), and comprehensive bibliography

for over 12.5 million stars, galaxies, and transient

VizieR

The most complete library of published

astronomical catalogues, providing access to tables

and data associated with scientific publications.

MAST (Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes)

Hosts data from NASA's optical/UV missions, including Hubble and JWST.