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This is a sample essay on Comparison and Contrast of Astronomy and Astrology: In this paper I will attempt to contrast Astronomy and Astrology. Astronomy and Astrology are both sciences. They sound alike in pronunciation, and in some ways are similar in science, but overall, are different. Astronomy is a science that studies motion of bodies, evolution, composition, distance, and scattered matter in the universe. Astrology is a science that studies the things that happen on earth as they relate to specific positions of the sun, moon, and other planets.
These sciences are similar in the fact that they both deal with studying celestial bodies in the universe. They are different in the purpose of the study. In Astronomy, scientists study celestial bodies in an effort to make predictions on the path of stars, the moon, planets, comets, asteroids, and the sun. These predictions are important in the fact that, we can use that information to predict disaters, such as asteroids, or comets that may be on a collision course with earth.
Also this information can be used to better understand the complexity of the universe that we live in. Historically, there have been scientists with many different ideas of how the universe worked. Originally it was thought that the earth was the center of the universe and that everything revolved around the earth. This theory of the universe has changed over time, and this is credited to the astronomers who worked diligently over time using new and improved tools of technology such as telescopes, to predict accurately, the way that our universe works.
Today’s astronomers have technology at their disposal that predecessors didn’t have, and it shows. Today, we have satellites in orbit that gather data, and sends that data back to earth to scientists. There are telescopes that are so strong that scientist can collect data from stars and other constellations, without ever leaving earth. Astronomy is a very scientific study, and its purpose is for the better understanding of the universe that we live in. On the other hand, Astrology is also considered a science.
It studies the same celestial bodies that Astronomy. Mmovement of the planets, suns, stars, and moon, in relation to the time of a person’s birth is believed to result in the predefined character of the person, and their destiny. Astrologers, to map the astronomical movement of bodies at the time of a person’s birth, use horoscopes. Zodiac signs, (Aquarius, Capricorn, Pices, Gemini, Taurus, Libra, Leo, Sagittarius, Virgo, Aries, Scorpio, and Cancer) are assigned to each planet; this includes the sun and moon in Astronomy.
Twelve houses also divide the horoscope, for the 24 hours that it takes to make a full rotation. A person is put assigned a zodiac sign depending on the time he or she is born. Although Astrology is considered a science, over the years there have been many scientists that have questioned the principles of astrology. Today, Astrology is still practiced, but unlike Astronomy, Astrology is practiced majority by people who wouldn’t be considered scientists. Astrology has become a commercial science, that is used a lot for profit.
If you walk down any street long enough you will eventually find a shop that promises to give you information on your future via astrological horoscopes. Horoscopes are told for profit through 900 telephone numbers, and even over the Internet. Astrology uses Astronomy principles in its practice, but as you have read the two are different. Astrology, I feel, has lost some of its credibility because of its commercial appeal, and the money generated by it. I personally don’t feel that a person’s destiny can be told by the position of celestial bodies.
Some scientists seem to feel the same way. Astronomy is very important to civilization. Hopefully, we can learn how to prevent future disasters to the planet, such as collisions with other bodies in motion. Astrology is not as important, in my opinion, because it hasn’t been proved that the principles of Astrology are accurate. Astronomy and Astrology are different in the way they affect people. Many people depend on Astrology daily, to tell them how there day and life will turn out. Most people don’t really acknowledge astronomy until it ultimately effects them.