Astronomy

   Modern astronomy is divided into several separate sections, which are closely linked, and this division of astronomy, in a sense conditional. Astronomy main sections are:

   Astrometry - studying the situation and the apparent motion of light, as well as ways to identify them on geographical coordinates and the exact time. It consists of:

   spherical astronomy, which develops mathematical methods for determining the visible and the movements of celestial bodies by means of various coordinate systems, as well as the theory of natural change of coordinates shone with time;

   Fundamental astrometry, the tasks of the definition of the coordinates of celestial bodies from observations of stellar catalogs of the provisions and the definition of the numerical values of the major astronomical constants, ie values for taking account of legitimate change of coordinates the light of) the practical astronomy, which describes methods for determining the geographical coordinates, azimuth directions, the exact time and describes the tools used for this.

   Theoretical astronomy provides methods for determining the orbits of celestial bodies in terms of their visible and methods of calculation of ephemerides (visible to the provisions) of celestial bodies in a well-known elements of their orbits (inverse problem).

   Celestial mechanics is studying the laws of the movements of celestial bodies by the forces of gravity, determine the mass and shape of celestial bodies and the stability of their systems.

   These three sections mainly address the first task of astronomy, and often called the classical astronomy.

   Astrophysics learning the structure, physical properties and chemical composition of celestial objects. It is divided into: a) practical (observation), astrophysics, which are developed and applied practical methods of astrophysical research, and related tools and devices, b) theoretical astrophysics, in which, under the laws of physics, are given a physical explanation for the observed phenomena.

   Several sections of astrophysics is allocated to specific methods of study.

   Stellar astronomy is studying patterns of spatial distribution and motion of stars, stellar systems and interstellar matter in the light of their physical characteristics.

   In these two sections mainly address the second objective of astronomy.

   Cosmogony deals with the origin and evolution of celestial bodies, including our Earth.

   Cosmology is studying general regularities of the structure and development of the universe.

   On the basis of all knowledge of the celestial bodies the last two sections of astronomy resolve its third goal.

   The course includes general astronomy systematic presentation of information on basic methods and main results from the various sections of astronomy.

   One of the new, emerging only in the second half of XX century, the area is arheoastronomiya which examines astronomical knowledge of ancient people and help to date ancient buildings, on the basis of the phenomenon of precession of the Earth.