Scientific Inquiry

The scientific method is a crucial and essential part of astronomy, and in studying the universe. It is a key component for the investigation and acquisition of new knowledge. The five steps of the scientific method allow for the observation, questioning, hypothesizing, experimenting, and collection of data in order to reach conclusions.

All findings of the scientific method are based upon physical evidence. Astronomers use observations, hypotheses, and logic to form theories. Theories must be reproduced and tested by experiments to test for their validity. They are then analyzed and researched further. This process completes what science is all about,  which is a search for answers in a logical, evidence-based manner.