“I’m an astrophysicist!” “Okay, I’m a Gemini!” It is in our best interest to avoid this awkward situation. Although the two words look alike, astronomy and astrology are vastly different in their purposes and methodology. Though with their deeply intertwined histories, these fields may not be as disconnected as they seem.
What is Astronomy?
(Duchene, 2024)
Put simply, astronomy is the study of the stars, planets, and scattered matter in the universe (Britannica, 2021). As an incredibly broad field, it involves the study of celestial bodies from the Sun to exoplanets to asteroids. It is deeply related to physics and cosmology, where scientists look outwards into space to understand our universe as a whole and the way it functions.
Astronomers use tools like telescopes and satellites to closely observe other planets and stars. One significant example is the Hubble Space Telescope, which is used to determine the atmospheric composition of distant planets, and has even helped discover dark energy (NASA, n.d.).
What is Astrology?
(astrology charts, 2019)
Astrology is a form of divination that involves interpreting stars and planets’ influence on human destiny (Britannica, 2021). Today, the western horoscope is arguably the most mainstream form of astrology, though other types like the Chinese zodiac and Hindu astrology also play a key role in their respective cultures. Divination enthusiasts can also go a step further than daily horoscopes on the news, drawing out elaborate natal charts to determine one’s personality and future from birth.
From influencing decision-making to deciding romantic compatibility, astrology can offer guidance to people in many areas of their lives. Though it can offer harmless comfort and encouragement, how seriously this guidance should be taken is another story.
Science vs Pseudoscience
The key difference between astronomy and astrology is that astronomy is a science, while astrology is considered a pseudoscience. While science uses experimentation and reliable information to establish facts, pseudoscience has little evidential backing to indicate its accuracy.
A study done in 1990 indicated that astrologers have very low accuracy in their predictions, suggesting the way these predictions are carried out do not depend on a single reliable system. Furthermore, astrology’s failure to evolve along with critique and established facts has defined it as a pseudoscience (Jarry, 2020).
The Shared History of Astronomy and Astrology
In ancient societies, astronomy and astrology were actually the same thing. Before the emergence of modern science as we know it, people would observe the stars for both practical purposes like navigation and spiritual functions (the planetary society). This early form of astrology provided social stability to these civilizations by providing a coherent worldview that reconciled astronomical science with myth and religion (Kerner, n.d.).
However, as scientific methodologies developed during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, astronomy and astrology began to diverge. While astronomy developed tools to observe the cosmos and prove theories, astrology progressed under a more metaphysical path and lacked empirical support, resulting in its definition as a pseudoscience (Howells, 2024).
Conclusion
Astronomy and astrology both involve stars and celestial bodies in one way or another. While it is easy to dismiss astrology as a baseless pseudoscience, it is important to remember its historical significance, especially in relation to astronomy and ancient sciences as a whole.
Works Cited
Howells, K. (2024). What is the difference between astronomy and astrology? [online] The Planetary Society. Available at: https://www.planetary.org/articles/what-is-the-difference-between-astronomy-and-astrology [Accessed 28 May 2024].
Jarry, J. (2020). How Astrology Escaped the Pull of Science. [online] Office for Science and Society. Available at: https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/pseudoscience/how-astrology-escaped-pull-science [Accessed 28 May 2024].
Kerner, K.L. (n.d.). Astrology and Astronomy in the Ancient World | Encyclopedia.com. [online] www.encyclopedia.com. Available at: https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/astrology-and-astronomy-ancient-world [Accessed 28 May 2024].
NASA (n.d.). Hubble - NASA Science. [online] science.nasa.gov. Available at: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/ [Accessed 28 May 2024].
NASA (2024). Hubble Views the Dawn of a Sun-like Star - NASA. [online] Available at: https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/hubble-views-the-dawn-of-a-sun-like-star/
[Accessed 28 May 2024].
OraclePsychic.com - Tarot Card Readings, Astrologer, Adviser. (2019). Understanding Astrology Charts & Importance Of Planets | OraclePsychic. [online] Available at: https://oraclepsychic.com/understanding-astrology-charts-importance-planets/ [Accessed 28 May 2024].
Pingree, D. (2021). astrology | Definition, Signs, & Facts. [online] Encyclopedia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/astrology [Accessed 28 May 2024].
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica (2021a). Development of astrology from ancient to modern times | Britannica. [online] www.britannica.com. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/summary/astrology [Accessed 28 May 2024].
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica (2021b). History of astronomy and contributions of Ptolemy, Nicolaus Copernicus, and Isaac Newton | Britannica. [online] www.britannica.com. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/summary/astronomy [Accessed 28 May 2024].
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