English

astronomy

gb/əstɹˈɑnəmi/ us/əstɹˈɑnəmi/
B2 English
~ 5900
Senses
0 senses
Noun B2 entity
1

the science of space and stars

The science that studies the sun, moon, stars, planets, and other things in space.

Usage pattern: to study [astronomy]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse "astronomy" with "astrology". "Astronomy" is a science that studies real objects in space, while "astrology" is a belief that star and planet positions influence people’s lives. Another mistake is mixing up "astronomy" (the science) with "astronaut" (a person who travels into space).
Synonyms
space science (A broader and less technical term that can include astronomy and related fields like planetary science.) | astrophysics (Focuses more on the physical laws and processes behind astronomical objects; often more mathematical and specialized than general astronomy.)
Antonyms
astrology (A belief system that claims positions of celestial bodies affect human lives; contrasted with astronomy as non-scientific versus scientific study.)
Collocations
study astronomy |astronomy class |astronomy club |amateur astronomy |observational astronomy |astronomy degree
Themes
science |space |education |technology
Examples
  • She decided to major in astronomy after taking an introductory course at university.
  • Modern astronomy relies heavily on powerful telescopes and advanced computer models.
  • Astronomy has helped us understand how galaxies form and evolve over billions of years.
  • The local observatory offers free public talks on current discoveries in astronomy.
  • His interest in astronomy began when he saw Saturn through a telescope as a child.
Learner examples
  • I want to study astronomy at university.
  • Astronomy helps us learn about stars and planets.
  • My school has an astronomy club after class.
  • We used a small telescope in astronomy class.
  • She reads many books about astronomy in her free time.
Grammar
Dictionary form
astronomy
IPA
GB/əstɹˈɑnəmi/
US/əstɹˈɑnəmi/
Syllables & stress
as - tro - nomy (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tro)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: astronomy
  • Plural: astronomy
Word family
Core family
astronomer noun B2 astronomical adjective B2
Related words
astronomically adverb
Advanced or less common
astrophysics noun astrophysicist noun astrophysical adjective
Expressions

amateur astronomy

1
/ˈæmətˌʊɹ əstɹˈɑnəmi/
fixed phrase

astronomy as a hobby

Astronomy done for fun by people who are not paid scientists.

Examples
  • Amateur astronomy has contributed many discoveries of new comets.
  • He got into amateur astronomy after buying a small telescope.

astronomy class

1
/əstɹˈɑnəmi klˈæs/
fixed phrase

course about astronomy

A lesson or course where students learn about stars, planets, and space.

Examples
  • We learned about black holes in astronomy class today.
  • His astronomy class meets twice a week in the science building.

astronomy club

1
/əstɹˈɑnəmi klˈʌb/
fixed phrase

club for astronomy enthusiasts

A group of people who meet to talk about space and to look at the sky with telescopes.

Examples
  • She joined the university astronomy club to use the large telescope on the roof.
  • The astronomy club organizes stargazing nights twice a month.

astronomy degree

1
/əstɹˈɑnəmi dɪɡɹˈi/
fixed phrase

university degree in astronomy

A university qualification you get after studying astronomy for several years.

Examples
  • She earned an astronomy degree before starting her PhD in astrophysics.
  • Many students with an astronomy degree work in data science or research.

astronomy textbook

1
/əstɹˈɑnəmi tˈɛkstbˌʊk/
fixed phrase

textbook about astronomy

A school or university book that explains ideas and facts in astronomy.

Examples
  • The new astronomy textbook includes the latest images from space telescopes.
  • He spent the weekend reading his astronomy textbook before the exam.

observational astronomy

1
/ˌɑbzɚvˈeɪʃənəl əstɹˈɑnəmi/
fixed phrase technical

astronomy based on observations

A part of astronomy that focuses on watching the sky and recording what we see with telescopes and instruments.

Examples
  • Advances in observational astronomy have revealed thousands of exoplanets.
  • Radio telescopes play a key role in modern observational astronomy.

observational astronomy

1
/ˌɑbzɚvˈeɪʃənəl əstɹˈɑnəmi/
fixed phrase technical

astronomy using direct observations

astronomy based on looking at and measuring objects in space

Examples
  • New telescope technology has transformed observational astronomy.
  • She studies galaxy formation through observational astronomy.
  • Observational astronomy depends on precise instruments and clear data.

optical astronomy

1
/ˈɑptɪkəl əstɹˈɑnəmi/
fixed phrase technical

astronomy using visible light

A kind of astronomy that uses normal light, like the light we see with our eyes, to study stars and other objects in space.

Examples
  • Clouds and city lights can severely limit optical astronomy.
  • Space-based telescopes have revolutionized optical astronomy.

radio astronomy

1
/ɹˈeɪdioʊ əstɹˈɑnəmi/
fixed phrase technical

astronomy using radio waves

A kind of astronomy that studies space by listening to radio waves from stars, galaxies, and other objects.

Examples
  • Radio astronomy has allowed scientists to map the structure of our galaxy.
  • The remote desert location is ideal for radio astronomy because it has little interference.

Welcome back!

Please sign in to continue

Forgot password?
Don't have an account? Sign up