Astronomy

Sometimes also called "astrophysics," astronomy is the study of the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies in the universe. The complexity of the field means it also draws upon other disciplines like physics, meteorology, geology, and chemistry. Astronomy is also one of the oldest sciences; there is evidence that even prehistoric cultures studied the stars. From the Babylonians to the Maya, early civilizations almost universally left evidence of astronomical study. It was not until the telescope was invented, however, that astronomy could truly evolve into a modern scientific discipline. The beauty of astronomy is that amateurs can pursue it as well as experts. Both amateurs and professionals often choose astronomy as a focus for rare book collections.