Astronomy - one of the oldest sciences.People for centuries have followed the movement of the stars in the sky.Astronomical observations of time to help navigate the terrain, as well as were necessary for the construction of philosophical and religious systems.Since then, much has changed.Astronomy finally freed itself from astrology, he has accumulated extensive knowledge and technical power.However, astronomical observations, made on Earth or in space - is still one of the main methods of obtaining data in this science.Change the way of gathering information, but the essence remained the same technique.
What astronomical observations?
There is evidence to suggest that a basic knowledge of the motion of the moon and sun people still possessed in the prehistoric era.Proceedings of Hipparchus and Ptolemy suggest that knowledge of the heavenly bodies have been claimed in antiquity, they paid a lot of attention.For that time, and even after a long period of astronomical observations is the study of the night sky and seen the fixation on paper or, more simply, a sketch.
Before Renaissance scholars assistants in this matter are only the most basic equipment.A significant amount of data has become available since the invention of the telescope.With the improvement of its increased accuracy of the information received.However, at whatever level it has been technical progress, astronomical observations - is the main way to collect information about celestial objects.Interestingly, it is also one of the areas of scientific activity, which is not lost relevance of the methods used in the era before scientific progress, that is the observation with the naked eye or with simple equipment.
Classification
Today astronomical observations - it is a broad category of action.You can classify them on several grounds:
- qualified members;
- character of recorded data;
- venue.
In the first case isolated professional and amateur observations.The data obtained in this way, are often registered visible light or other electromagnetic radiation, including infrared and ultraviolet.Information can thus be obtained in some cases only with the planet's surface or only in the space outside the atmosphere: for the third feature isolated astronomical observations made on earth or in space.
Amateur Astronomy
beauty of science of the stars and other celestial bodies in the fact that it is - one of the few that literally requires active and indefatigable admirers among laymen.In a huge number of objects worthy of constant attention, we have a small number of scientists engaged in the most complex issues.Because the rest of the astronomical observations of near-Earth space borne by amateurs.
contribution of people who consider a hobby of astronomy, this science is quite noticeable.Until the middle of the last decade of the last century, more than half of comets were discovered just amateurs.In their research interests also often consists of variable stars, new surveillance, tracking celestial bodies cover asteroids.The latter is currently the most promising and popular work.As for the Supernova and Nova, it is usually the first to notice them it is amateur astronomers.
Options amateur observations
amateur astronomy can be divided into closely related areas:
- visual astronomy.These include astronomical observation with binoculars, telescope or the naked eye.The main purpose of such activities, as a rule, is to get pleasure from the opportunity to observe the movement of the stars, as well as the process itself.An interesting offshoot of this trend - "Pavement" Astronomy: some fans take out their telescopes on the street and offer to everyone to admire the stars, planets and the moon.
- Astro.The purpose of this direction - to provide still images of celestial bodies and their elements.
- telescope making.Sometimes the necessary optical instruments, telescopes and related accessories, fans are made from scratch.In most cases, telescope making is to complement existing equipment with new components.
- Research.Some amateur astronomers seeking to obtain except for aesthetic pleasure and something more tangible.They are engaged in the study of asteroids, variables, novae and supernovae, comets and meteor showers.Periodically during the constant and painstaking observations discoveries are made.Such activity amateur astronomers bring the greatest contribution to science.
Activities professionals
Astronomers professionals around the world have better equipment than lovers.The challenges facing them, require a high accuracy in the collection of information, efficient mathematical apparatus for interpreting and forecasting.In the center of the work of professionals, as a rule, are quite complex, often distant objects and phenomena.Often, studies expanses of space makes it possible to shed light on those or other laws of the universe, to clarify, complement or refute the theoretical constructs about its origin, structure and future.
Classification by type of information
observations in astronomy, as already mentioned, may be associated with the fixation of different radiation.On this basis are the following directions:
- optical astronomy explores the radiation in the visible range;
- infrared astronomy;
- ultraviolet astronomy;
- radio astronomy;
- X-ray astronomy;
- gamma astronomy.
In addition, the direction of this distinguished science and relevant observations that are not related to the electromagnetic radiation.This includes neutrino studying neutrino radiation from extraterrestrial sources of gravitational-wave astronomy and planetary.
On the surface portion of the phenomena studied in astronomy, are available for research in terrestrial laboratories.Astronomical observations in the world are connected with the study of the trajectories of celestial bodies in space by measuring the distance to the stars, the fixation of some types of radiation and radio waves, and so on.Prior to the era of space exploration, astronomers could only be satisfied with the information obtained under the conditions of our planet.And that was enough for constructing a theory of the origin and evolution of the universe, finding many laws that exist in the cosmos.
high above the ground
With Sputnik began a new era in astronomy.Data collected by the spacecraft, are invaluable.They contributed to a better understanding of the mysteries of the universe scientists.
Astronomical observations in space allow you to record all types of radiation, from visible light to gamma rays and X-rays.Most of them are available for study on Earth, as the planet's atmosphere absorbs them, do not allow the surface.An example of the discoveries made possible only after the beginning of the space age, are X-ray pulsars.
Miners information
Astronomical observations are carried out in space with the help of various equipment installed on spaceships orbiting satellites.Many studies of this nature is carried out on the International Space Station.The contribution of optical telescopes, run several times in the past century.It stands out among them the famous "Hubble."To the layman it is primarily a source of stunningly beautiful photographic images of deep space.However, this is not what he "knows".With the help of a lot of information about the structure of a set of objects, regularities of their "behavior"."Hubble" and the other telescopes are an invaluable supplier data required for theoretical astronomy, working on the problems of the universe.
Astronomical observations - both terrestrial and space - the only source of information for the science of celestial bodies and phenomena.Without them, scientists could only develop various theories, without being able to compare them with reality.
