Introduction to Astronomy Astronomy vs Astrology Created by Joshua Toebbe NOHS 2015

Intro to Astronomy: The oldest science Much of the evidence used by science can be interpreted in many ways. (As we saw yesterday) But evidence can also be interpreted without using scientific principles. So… What makes something a science? Created by Joshua Toebbe NOHS 2015

Astronomy vs. Astrology Astronomy The study of celestial objects, their movements and interactions Astrology The study of how celestial movements affect human actions Intro to Astronomy: The oldest science Take a minute and look at the articles on your table and underline or highlight what you think qualifies as scientific statements, procedures, or thinking. Created by Joshua Toebbe NOHS 2015

Astrology as a Science Intro to Astronomy: The oldest science What is scientific about astrology? Focus on the natural world Attempt to explain the natural world Use testable ideas or hypothesis Created by Joshua Toebbe NOHS 2015

Astrology as a Science Intro to Astronomy: The oldest science What is not scientific about astrology?  Relies on evidence  Involves the scientific community  Leads to ongoing evidence  Researchers behave scientifically Created by Joshua Toebbe NOHS 2015

Science vs. Pseudoscience Science Holds to all seven scientific criteria Pseudoscience Holds to some but not all of the scientific criteria Intro to Astronomy: The oldest science Astronomy holds to all seven and is thus a science Astrology holds to only three and is thus a pseudoscience Created by Joshua Toebbe NOHS 2015

The Zodiac Intro to Astronomy: The oldest science Your zodiac sign is the one constellation that cannot be seen during the time of your birth. It is on the other side of the sun, so its only visible during the day, when it can’t be seen. Created by Joshua Toebbe NOHS 2015

The Zodiac Intro to Astronomy: The oldest science Aries: March 21 – April 19 Taurus: April 20 – May 20 Gemini: May21 – June 20 Cancer: June 21 – July 22 Leo: July 23 – August 22 Virgo: August 23 – September 22 Libra: September 23 – October 22 Scorpio: October 23 – November 21 Sagittarius: November 22 – December 21 Capricorn: December 22 – January 19 Aquarius: January 20 – February 18 Pisces: February 19 – March 20 The 12 zodiac signs that correspond to specific dates of the year Created by Joshua Toebbe NOHS 2015

The Real Zodiac Intro to Astronomy: The oldest science Aries: April 18 – May 13 Taurus: May14 – June 20 Gemini: June 21 – July 19 Cancer: July 20 – August 9 Leo: August 10 – September 15 Virgo: September 16 – October 29 Libra: October 30 – November 22 Scorpio: November 23 – November 28 Ophiuchus: November 29 – December 17 Sagittarius: December 17 – January 20 Capricorn: January 20 – Feb 16 Aquarius: Feb 16 – March 11 Pisces: March 11 – April 19 Notice any differences… Created by Joshua Toebbe NOHS 2015

Precession Intro to Astronomy: The oldest science The dates used in the zodiac are from over 2,000 years ago And the earth wobbles As the changes position its called precession This causes the constellations to appear in the night sky at different dates and in different places Created by Joshua Toebbe NOHS 2015

Precession Intro to Astronomy: The oldest science What the sky looks like now What the sky looked like in 1400 Created by Joshua Toebbe NOHS 2015

Other Pseudosciences Intro to Astronomy: The oldest science Ancient Aliens Astrology Autodynamics Bermuda Triangle Electrodynamics Flat Earth Free Energy Hollow Earth Millenarianism Created by Joshua Toebbe NOHS 2015

Cover image from Corner image from “Astrology: Is It Scientific?." Understanding Science. University of California Museum of Paleontology. Retrieved 18 August Friedman, M. [Jan. 13, 2011] Horoscope Hang-Up: Earth Rotation Changes Zodiac Signs. Time Magazine. Retrieved 18 August changes-zodiac-signs/ changes-zodiac-signs/ Sources Intro to Astronomy: The oldest science Created by Joshua Toebbe NOHS 2015