Astronomy is a fascinating branch of science. This is because astronomy involves the galaxies, cosmos and astrophysics, some things of life that we, common people, do not understand. And it is quite natural for human beings to have a fascination and curiosity for the unknown. It is through astronomy, the study of the universe that many important questions that humans ask are answered like how the universe had begun, if there will be changes in the universe in the future, what the structure of the universe is and how Earth and its inhabitants have managed to fit into the large universe of space and time. These answers may not be found in our lifetime, but there are many people who have scientific brains that follow up these questions in search for an answer to mankind.

The concept of our galaxy is difficult to understand with the constant additions we get while discovering new frontiers and distant planets. In fact, it is the sun and the concept of the planets in our galaxy alone that provokes all type of speculation and wonder in the human brain.

Astronomy also involves the theories of particle physics which have been developed with the Big Bang model where the origin, evolution and present structure of the universe are explained. It involves the origins, interiors, evolution and energy produced by stars and how and why they were formed. It involves speculation of the many ‘interacting galaxies’ we have heard about, a place we know exists but find difficult to see or understand. Astronomy brings a thrill to learn more about these atmospheric wonders; so why not go out there and observe the Universe? It really is spellbinding as astronomy not only covers the study of stars but also a stuffy of celestial objects that includes planets, comets and entire galaxies. It also involves the study of different phenomena in the earth’s atmosphere that includes auroras and cosmic background radiation.

Being involved with numerous other sciences like physics and chemistry, scientists use astronomy to test the fundamentals of physics like general relativity. This shows that astronomy is a very important and fascinating part of our lives, and is something worth following up as a career or hobby.

Cosmology is a branch of science that involves the study of the Universe and its large scale properties as a whole. It is through a scientific method that it understands the origin, evolution and the eventual fate of the Universe. Cosmology basically involves the formation of theories and hypotheses about the Universe where you find specific explanations and predictions of phenomena that can be tested through observatories. And it is based on these observations that theories are abandoned, extended or revised to accommodate the present day data. The theory of the origin and evolution of the Universe through the Big Bang theory is extensively researched and explained in cosmology.

It can be said that it is through cosmology that the origin beliefs of religions and mythologies are tried to be explained through the existence and nature of reality. The creation and destruction of the Universe forms the framework for a branch of cosmology, religious cosmology where humanity’s role in the Universe is understood. Then there is a form of cosmology that places emphasis on the distinction between religion and philosophy called esoteric cosmology. Here the tradition bound construction of religion and the modern day understanding, and not faith, are discussed and emphasized on a formative concept.

The other branches of cosmology are physical cosmology which is the branch of physics and astrophysics where the physical origins of the Universe and the nature of the Universe are studied. The earliest forms of physical cosmology are known as celestial mechanics and are the study of heavens. In the case of metaphysical cosmology, the world is totally dealt in relation to space, time and all phenomena. Today, this branch of cosmology is used to address questions of the Universe that are beyond the scope of science.

Religious cosmology involves the many religions having origin beliefs that describe the beginnings of the Universe and life. This information is usually derived through scriptural teachings and is a part of the faith’s dogma. And esoteric cosmology is the occult and esoteric teachings that involve elaborate cosmologies. It basically constitutes a ‘map’ of the Universe and the states of consciousness and existence derived from the worldview of a particular doctrine.

Many people love pursuing astronomy as a hobby as it is an interesting hobby. Not much is required for astronomy besides some knowledge about the solar system, a keen eye and a good telescope. Make sure you buy a good telescope else you will be disappointed with the images you find in a cheap telescope available in department stores.

However it is not worthy buying the first telescope you see either. The first thing a person wishes to see when pursuing astronomy as a hobby is to be able to see celestial objects just like it is seen in magazines or TV. However before venturing into optical instruments, you can pursue astronomy only when and if you can find actually differentiate the different celestial objects using your eyes.

It is always better to first join any astronomy center where you can attend the meetings and use the telescopes there. This way you can learn from experts in astronomy who can provide advice to you. You can use the websites to locate astronomy clubs in your country. Or you could ask planetariums or optical shops for information or get lists from magazines.

Try to get to know more about the sky by learning constellations. Do this on a clear night without any instruments. If required, use some guide like a planisphere. Some magazines also provide information about the sky like the Sky and Telescope. A planisphere has two discs where one disc has the sky on it and the disc that is placed on the sky disc has openings that show the look of the sky on some days and time. Rotating the discs helps you find out specific dates and times.

Once you can find tell the constellations with your eyes, you can think of buying binoculars and then think of buying a telescope. This is because the binoculars give a wider field of view that makes it easier to read the sky. Once you have mastered all this, you can approach experts in astronomy for guidance for you in astronomy