Cosmology analyzes the universe in general.
Cosmology is the specialization of astronomy focused on general laws and the birth and development of the universe . The term comes from modern Latin, although its etymological root is found in the Greek word kósmos (that is, "universe" ).
Analysis of the universe
Before moving forward, it is important to remember that astronomy is the science that studies the stars . A star , meanwhile, is a celestial body : an astronomical object, such as a star or a planet.
It can be said that cosmology is responsible for analyzing the universe in general. Beyond astronomy, this branch of knowledge is linked to physics , philosophy and religion , for example.
Physical cosmology
Physical cosmology , in this framework, uses physics models to investigate how the universe emerged, how it evolved, and what its destiny could become. According to physical cosmology, the universe was generated with a great explosion ( big bang theory) and then expanded.
It belongs to astrophysics , the study and development of physical concepts applied to astronomy. Astrophysics focuses on the study of planets, black holes , stars , galaxies , and other objects found in the universe. The origins of physical cosmology date back to the 20th century, with the general theory of relativity , developed by the prominent German physicist Albert Einstein . Advances in technologies for observing the universe also played an important role, allowing speculation to be left behind and replaced by scientific research.
philosophical cosmology
Philosophical cosmology , for its part, considers the nature, epistemology, and ontology of time and space . As its name indicates, it is a branch of philosophy. Among the topics on which its specialists reflect are the following:
* that the existence of space and time is independent of that of the human mind;
* that even time can exist independently of space;
* what is the explanation for the endless flow of time, which apparently moves in only one direction. This concept is also known as the arrow of time , an expression coined by the British astrophysicist Arthur Eddington in 1927, and also takes into account that the advancement of time cannot be reversed;
* the possibility that more than one time exists, in addition to the current moment;
* issues related to identity, especially linked to time.
Observational cosmology
One can also talk about observational cosmology . In this case, the study of the universe is carried out through observation, using telescopes and other instruments to determine its distribution and progress. It also focuses on the origin, structure and development of the universe.
Although humans have been curious about the cosmos since time immemorial, the inclusion of technologies to eliminate speculation and observe accurately is very recent. There is talk, for example, of the Golden Age of Cosmology , which was announced in 1992, since it was only then that astronomy managed to rise considerably and rest on solid foundations.
Observation technologies were essential to leave speculation behind.
One of the relevant topics in this area is the calculation of cosmic distances , which must be estimated, since we still do not have tools that offer precise results. For the stars closest to our galaxy it is possible to resort to stellar parallax (the deviation that occurs in the angle depending on the observation point); However, this cannot be applied to the most distant ones.
Traditions
The traditions of different peoples regarding the examination of the universe, finally, are known as cosmologies. This is how expressions such as Nordic cosmology , Chinese cosmology , Hindu cosmology , etc. appear.