Astronomer

An astronomer or astrophysicist is a scientist whose area of research is astronomy or astrophysics.

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Astronomy is generally thought to have begun in ancient Babylon by the Persian Zoroastrian priests (the magi). Recent studies of Babylonian records have shown them to be extremely accurate for the ancient night sky. Following the Babylonians, the egyptians also had an emphasis on observations of the sky.

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Mixtures of religious interpretations of the sky, as mythic tales of the gods, led to a duality that we now identify as astrology. It is important to recognize that before about 1750, there was no distinction between astronomy and astrology.

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Unlike most scientists, astronomers cannot directly interact with the celestial bodies, and so instead must resort to detailed observation in order to make discoveries. Generally, astronomers use telescopes or other imaging equipment to make such observations.

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Scientist: This article is about the profession. For the Australian indie rock band see 'The Scientists'. For the dub musician see 'Scientist'. For the single by Coldplay see 'The Scientist'....

Research: : For the suburb of Melbourne, Australia, see Research, Victoria....

Astronomy: :This article is about the science branch. For information about the magazine, see Astronomy (magazine)....

Astronomer related Images and Photos (experimental)

An Astronomer	Chinese Astronomer	Copernicus Astronomer	The Astronomer 1668
An Astronomer in his Study 1672	Astronomer Dr. Walter S. Adams Adjusting 100-Inch Telescope Mt. Wilson Observatory	Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) Astronomer circa 1612	Tycho Brahe Danish Astronomer
Astronomer-Priests of Chaldea Observe Stars from the Tower of Babylon	Alexandria Observatory: an Astronomer Using a Pre- Telescopic Sighting Instrument	Galileo Galilei Italian Astronomer	Galileo Galilei Italian Astronomer Visited by the English Poet John Milton