Astronomy as an “Oxymoron”

Astronomy as an “Oxymoron”

Astronomy can be truly regarded as a exemplary and ultimate ‘ Oxymoron’.

It is one of the oldest and also one of the newest Science 

Oldest in a sense that it existed since the dawn of earliest civilization - Earliest civilizations observed , recorded and inferred the night and day sky using their ancient and simple tools and techniques; and newest in a sense that it is in a continual state of development and modifications and updation, thanks to our  modern and sophisticated tools and techniques.

It is also Science of very Small and very Big 

Astronomy encompasses the study of minuscule entities like Quarks and Leptons,as well as gigantic structures like Galaxies and Galaxy Superclusters.

It is pursued by both Scientistis and Public alike  

Astronomy is one of few sciences that is being actively pursued by scientists and public alike.With our ever increasing sophistication of tools and techniques,there is a constant ‘Data Flood’ in Astronomy, whereby only scientists alone are not able to cope up with effectively .To solve this ‘Data Deluge’ conundrum, scientists have come up with an innovative concept called “Citizen Science”.In the “Citizen Science”, all the immense data is freely available on web to the public, with simple instructions and softwares to easily classify the data in their free time.

The “Galaxy Zoo” is one of the most popular Astronomy citizen science project with record breaking public involvement.The “Galaxy Zoo” has produced many Astronomy scientific papers published with the help from both scientists and public.

Importance of Astronomy to the Society

IMPORTANCE OF ASTRONOMY

TO THE SOCIETY

Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences in the world, and has a far reaching importance to society. It promotes a boarder scientific perspective in society, by its marvellous and stunning out-of-this world discoveries: from violent supernovas to exotic quasars. It also debates on the most fundamental and important question of our entire mankind – our place in this universe.

It is not a science without any practical utility, as some aloof critic puts it, as it contributes to significant areas of immediate practicality that includes- Industry, Medicine, Energy sector, Aerospace sector and Security. Astronomy is the best example how the fundamental sciences contributes to technology.The following fields have been greatly benefitted by astronomy research ~ Electronics, Digital Imaging, Computing, Archeology , Artifacts, High-Performance Graphics etc.

Above all, it introduces young sections of the pubic to quantitative reasoning which is one of the prime student learning outcomes , thereby ensuring  an open-minded and responsible global citizen and also attracts them to scientific and technical careers. Astronomy and other fundamental sciences are very important in our daily lives ; the scientific knowledge contributing to a more equitable and peaceful society.

Sir Arthur C. Clarke’s words are very true in explaining the importance of Astronomy ~

" The public must understand astronomy -- its basic science as well as the process of research -- if we as a society are going to achieve our full potential. I strongly believe that astronomical institutions must make a concerted effort to communicate the fruits of their research to the public. "

It not only has ‘extrinsic’ benefits but also has ‘intrinsic’ benefits. As Albert Einstein quotes it ~

" What impels us to devise theory after theory?" His answer, "Because we enjoy comprehending... there exists a passion for comprehending just as there exists a passion for music. "

Similarly Marie Curie, exclaimed on looking at a research worker’s experiment ~

“ Ah, what a pretty phenomenon. ”

Edwin Hubble beautifully portrays the excitement of doing scientific research as ~

“ Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science. ”

Truely,the inner happiness and satisfaction we get out of Science is no match with all the materialistic stuff nowadays the people are obsessed with.I really think,if we introduce the people with this inner happiness and satisfaction,we can really change their perception and free them from all vices.

Reference Links ~

1. http://www.iau.org/public/themes/astronomy_in_everyday_life

2. http://www.aip.org/success/astrophysics.pdf