What’s the Difference between Astrology and Astronomy?

Astronomy and astrology are concepts that deals with things related to the universe. Many centuries ago, astronomy and astrology were used interchangeably but they were later on separated and eventually declared to be entirely independent of each other. However, most people still think that astrology and astronomy is the same thing. Although the two practices have common history, their differences are as distinct as wheat and chaff. So, are you one of those people who get confused with these two terms? If yes, then today you have landed in the right place. In this article, we are going to tell you the difference between astrology and astronomy.

What is astronomy?

Astronomy is a branch of science that deals with space, celestial objects and physical universe as a whole. Astronomy mainly deals with the study of planets, their origins, future movement and their interrelationships. Astronomy uses scientific proof to affirm theories using the universe as it reference point. The science of astronomy is keeps developing continuously as space experts continue to make new discoveries about the universe. Astronomers mainly sturdy the motions, positions and properties and relationship of content outside the earth atmosphere such as stars, galaxies and planets.

Today astronomy is subdivided into different subject area including:

-Observing Astronomy – it examines heavily bodies based on radiation and particles that reach the earth

-Astrometry- It measure and calculate the movements and positions of the stars

-Astrophysics- it deals with the physical element heavily bodies

-Celestial mechanics – it deals with the movement of celestial bodies in relation to mathematical modeling and physical theories.

-Solar astronomy- it covers the most important star on the solar system, the sun.

-Physical cosmology- it deals with the study of the overall structure of cosmos which compromises of multiple galaxies

What is Astrology?

Astrology is the study of movement of relative positions of heavenly bodies that have influence on natural world and human affairs. Astrologers believe that the alignment of planet and stars affects the way events occurs on earth. Today, experts use astrology to generate expectations about future events and people personalities depending on where they were born.  Astrology was part of mainstream science until the late 1600 when Isaac Newton demonstrated some physical processes on how heavily bodies affect each other. Isaac argued that the same law that make, say a mango fall from the tree also applies to the motions of celestial bodies. Since then experts started regarding astrology as pseudoscience.

Key difference between astrology and astronomy

1. Astronomy is a science while astrology is regarded as pseudoscience

Astronomy is regarded as a branch of science that deals with space, celestial objects and physical universe as a whole. It uses scientific proof to affirm theories using the universe as it reference point On the other hand, astrology as not demonstrated its effectiveness in controlled studies and has no scientific validity. It is therefore regardless as pseudoscience (statement, practices or beliefs that are claimed to be both factual but have no basis in scientific facts).

2.Astronomy focus on celestial bodies while astrology focus on how this position influence human behaviors

As mentioned before, astronomy is the scientific study of movement, position and properties of stars, moon and sun and the universe. On the other hand astrology focuses on how this position influences human behavior and destiny.

3.To become an astronomer, you need formal education while an astrologist does not require form education

Astronomers rely on strict and proven scientific methods to develop their theories and test predictions that they come up with. As such, to become an astronomer, you need to get a relevant degree and a postgraduate qualification from a recognized institution. On the other hand, there is no formal education required to become an astrologer in the United States. To become a certified astrologer, all that you need to do is learn for a mentor then you can get your skills tested by a professional organization.

4. Astronomy is subdivided into different subject area while astrology does not have subcategory

Astronomy is natural sciences that is subdivided into different subject areas including solar astronomy, planetary science, stellar astronomy, physical cosmology and Galactic and inter galactic astronomy. On the other hand, since astrology is considered as a pseudoscience, it does not have any subcategory.

Similarities between astrology and astronomy

–Below are some of the ways in which astrology and astronomy are similar

-Both of them have similar history. They both originated in the ancient world when people began to notice celestial objects. Although astrology and astronomy are very different for each other the both began in ancient times.

-They both involve the study of the universe

-Astrology considers 12 star constellations which is also part of astronomical observation. It is through the 12 start constellation where the 12 zodiac signs have been derived and named

-Both astrology and astronomy rely heavily on technology for accurate forecasting and projections.

-Before telescopes were invested, astrologers only recognized seven planets. However, after the invention of telescope, astrologist recognized the three additional planets including the Pluto, Uranus and Neptune.

Later on additional celestial objects were discovered including Chiron and Cere and have been adopted my modern astrologers. In fact, modern astrologers are considering including the newly discovered heavenly bodies on their reading. Astronomers also recognize the nine planets and other heavenly bodies discovered.

-Astrology recognizes an event known as the precession of the equinoxes which is referred to as axial precision by astronomers. The two terms mean the same thing and that is: the time when the equator passes through the center of the sun, a phenomenon that occurs twice a year

Final verdict

Astrology and astronomy are both very important fields. However, the two are not the same. Astronomy is a science that deals with the study of planets, their origins, future movement and their interrelationships and uses scientific proof to affirm theories.

On the other hand, astrology focuses on movement of relative positions of heavenly bodies that have influence on natural world and human affairs. The two have many things in common but are different from each other as discussed above.