astronomers

telescope

Instrument magnifying faraway objects

• observatoryFacility for celestial study
• domeRounded vault forming roof
• mountaintopSummit of a peak

spectroscopy · optics · aperture · refractor · reflector · eyepiece · radio telescope · infrared · resolution · light pollution

universe

Complete system or domain

• galaxiesGravitationally bound stellar assemblies
• nebulaeInterstellar gas clouds
• supernovaExploding massive star

black holes · quasars · cosmology · dark matter · dark energy · big bang · redshift · space-time · exoplanets · singularity

calendar

Date-tracking system

• ephemerisCelestial body position chart
• siderealOf the stars
• almanacYearly data compilation

equinox · solstice · epoch · precession · lunation · synodic · declination · transit · meridian

constellations

Recognized celestial groupings

• starlightLuminance from distant suns
• planetsStar-orbiting celestial bodies
• meteorGlowing atmospheric space rock

eclipse · moonlight · twilight · dusk · aurora · starfield · meteor shower · zodiac · ecliptic · comet

research

Systematic fact-finding effort

• astrophysicistScientist studying celestial bodies
• theoreticalBased on hypothesis, untested
• observationalBased on direct perception

academia · professor · PhD · university · publication · conference · grant · fellowship · planetarium · Hubble

• science enthusiastsstargazer, stargazers, citizen scientists, citizen scientist, science teachers
• skywatchersstargazers, astrophotographers
• astronomystars, moon, sun, planet, planets
• night creaturesowls, bats, moths, fireflies, nocturnal animals
• Mars mission jobsmission planners, astrobiologists, orbital mechanics
• Ancient MapmakersPtolemy, Eratosthenes, cosmographers, mapmakers, cartographers