A look into a book about the history of astronomy would produce major lists of accomplishments and images of people looking into the sky, with or without special tools, to find answers to their questions and curiosity. Ancient cultures studied objects in space, their movements and their positions. Even they formed their own ideas of space, what was out there, and how it might affect life on Earth. As time passed and the Renaissance emerged, people began to stray from conventional ideas of the universe and humans' place within it. Scientists made new discoveries and statements that did not agree with what was previously taught, but nonetheless, was another step forward in the study of astronomy.

With the invention of the telescope, humans' ability to see further and clearer into space broadened, and with that new vision came even more discoveries and questions. Technology continued to advance, eventually allowing humans to see the invisible, to travel space, and even to discover new worlds. Get ready to launch back in time and follow the history of astronomy into the modern age.

Getting Started

Take a minute and think about the phrase "historical astronomy." What types of images come to mind? Are those images of modern or ancient times? Now, on a sheet of paper, sketch what that image is, then consider why you thought of that image when thinking about astronomy.

Key Vocabulary

To view the definitions for these key vocabulary terms, visit the course glossary.