Cosmology is the study of the physical universe, considered a totality of phenomena in space and time. Is that confusing enough? How about being the astrophysical study of the history, structure, and constituent dynamics of the universe? Cosmology is another scientific study of our vast universe.
Also called cosmogony, it is the study of the entire universe, including its origin, development, and future. Nowadays, we are more interested in Cosmology as we can explore other planets. Such as Mars, observe asteroids a hundred years away, and look deeper into space to find their origins.
Evolution
Modern Cosmology has developed rapidly. At one time, it was thought that the earth was the center of the universe. But through extensive studies, it has been found that such a theory is incorrect. Eventually, astronomers learned that the hazy patches in the sky, called nebulae, are not a part of our galaxy. They found these nebulae to be galaxies far away from our own. These discoveries are attributed to the outstanding efforts of cosmology phenomena in space.
Although it remains a highly controversial science, Cosmology is picking up speed. As the modern era of space research into exploring space and its contents, Cosmology is finally gaining its footing. It is a close ally to observational Astronomy. Yet, Cosmology can be a bit more complex with its emphasis on Physics, which entails a powerful mathematical ability.
Spontaneous Self Creation, Hawking radiation, Hyper-dimensional Space, Super-symmetry, Super-strings, Magnetic Monopoles, Wormholes, and Time Travel. Are the theories and topics discussed in Cosmology. General Relativity is another item in Cosmology. It is concerned with frames of reference that accelerate relative to someone’s structure, which can be moving or still.
A paradox in Cosmology is the perception of the past and future. If a burst of photons leaves a far-off galaxy arrives at the time, we have “seen into the past.” For someone who may be on the other side of somewhere else in the galaxy. It has not happened to them yet. An exciting concept regarding the way light travels. It allows us to view an object that may no longer exist.
Cosmology Phenomena in Space
The Constellations
These stars in recognizable forms gave order to the chaos of so many pinpoints of light within the sky. And spawned further study of the skies. From this came astronomy, the pseudo-science of astrology, navigation, trigonometry, and even mathematics.
For their account, the history of some of the constellations is often as beautiful as the heavenly bodies themselves. If you’re British, one of the more famous is the big dipper or the plow. Known, amongst others, as a dipper to African Americans. The northern body of stars; marked the way to the free north for brave people. The news of the dipper of freedom was sung in codified songs with words leading the way to liberation.
A Giant Conglomeration of Stars
a giant conglomeration of stars
Ursa Major
The constellation is a giant conglomeration of stars, Ursa Major and the Big Bear. Named by ancients living in Europe and Asia (the Greeks, notably) after Callisto. This maiden went awry of the goddess Artemis’ goodwill. Interestingly, numerous Native American people also considered this cluster to represent a bear. Possibly due to how far north it is, where few animals but a bear could survive.
Ursa Minor
Next, we have The Big Bear’s little brother (or son, from the Greek legend of Arcas), Ursa Minor. Within the Little Bear is Polaris, the North Star. The star grouping was known at least 600 BC after Thales, the first western philosopher.
Dog lovers rejoice as Canis Major is for them. Leading the pack of this star grouping is the bright star of Sirius, The Dog Star. This star and its constellation have a long history of myth within the ancient world. Sirius has been associated with death and famine. The coming of the new year, and now in modern pop culture, with aliens.
Sirius
A fascinating story about Sirius goes like this. Sirius, Confirmed in 1862, is a “devil star” -that is, a binary star. A smaller star, utterly invisible to the naked eye, circles the dog. However, in anthropological literature, the Dogon a tribe in Northwestern Africa. Believed Sirius to be binary centuries before modern science could confirm this.
Southern Cross
The Southern Cross is the smallest of constellations, having once been a part of Centaurus. The crux was originally just visible over the horizon. However, explorers found the star icon inspiring and valuable to navigation.
Orion
Probably the most famous of all constellations is Orion. An equatorial asterism, his belt is straightforward to identify. The famous Horsehead Nebula left of the archer’s belt, and above this, forming Orion’s armpit is Betelgeuse. Below and to the right of Betelgeuse is Rigel (which every fan of Star Trek will recognize).
This list is hardly exhaustive and merely hints at some better-known constellations. Learning about these heavenly bodies can lead to knowledge of mythology and history, veritable stars in their own right.
