Star Gazing

Star gazing is undisputedly the oldest scientific hobby on earth. Prior to invention of the telescope, stargazers required no special apparatus but their own eyes and a clear view of sky to appreciate the splendor of the infinity. For many people, star gazing doesn't start just as a favorite pursuit. In some, it is a natural response to an inborn desire - to reach out to the stars. In others, star gazing originates from the growing respect they cultivate for the vastness of this universe. Whether you're catching a glimpse of the star-filled clear skies or peeping into the cosmos through your telescope, you can't deny the felicity it imparts. As a consequence, star gazing could be a great repose from a busy life. Every one of us would have at least once in our lives gazed at the stars with an exaltation so pure and divine.

Star gazing as a scientific trend, dates back to the ancient philosopher, Plato. His student, Aristotle was the first to start a systematic study of astronomy before 300 B.C, though he wrongly summarized that the earth is the center of the universe and stars move around it. During the long course of the scientific journey, many astronomers later continued their study and synthesized various theories from their observation and primitive star gazing. Star gazing was a major branch of observation and laid the foundation for Astronomy. Man had always worked on theories to understand the bright objects hanging in the skies and their relative position in space. Stars have always fascinated man and in particular the intellectual group of humanity. The boundless nature of the universe is one of the never-ending fascinations of man which allude him to star gazing. Many people recognize that their affection for star gazing remains fresh throughout their life.

A thrilling way to refresh your senses, star gazing could actually be a great learning experience. Star gazing eventually inspires us to accumulate knowledge of heavenly bodies of our limitless cosmos. Many star gazers don't just stop at star gazing. They continue to learn in great detail the working principles of the universe and its constituents. Thus star gazing promotes scientific learning among its enthusiasts. Star gazing really has an interesting history in the development of science and the scientific method. It was star gazing that brought out the first astounding fact many communities could not digest, that the earth was not the center of the universe. In due course, the scientific method has corrected many fallacies our ancestors had endured.

It was only in the 17th century the grand invention of the Telescope changed the face of star gazing. The Telescope was a scientific milestone which paved way to Modern Astronomy. Through the four centuries that have passed, the telescope as a major tool for scientific research, has tremendously aided astronomers to unravel countless mysteries of the universe surrounding us. Today, the glass telescope has evolved a long way into the radio telescope. Radio Telescopes, though relying on a similar principle of amplification as glass telescopes, can provide sight of celestial bodies millions of light years away. But the glass telescope has not lost its prominence. It continues to serve scientists and amateur astronomers with a continued brilliance as ever. There is always a plentitude of star gazing enthusiasts around the world who direct their telescopes toward glistening worlds of hope that hang in the dimmest chasms of an enigmatic universe. And there are scientists watching out of their laboratory telescopes in hope of discovering another new home for mankind to dwell in. An expression of anticipation, and a burning desire, star gazing will continue to be promoted by many more enthusiasts all over the world.

Worth honorary mention is Plato's ageless quote relevant to star gazing, "Astronomy compels the soul to look upwards and leads us from this world to another."

If you're new to the wonderful world of astronomy, or star gazing, a great outset would be Asynx Planetarium Software. To download the software and to start your observations today, visit http://www.asynx-planetarium.com, an invaluable source of information for beginners.