why do you think is it important to observe and study celestial bodies aside from our own planet?

Answer 1

Because distance in astronomy is equivalent to time, we can observe distant objects and see what stars and galaxies like our own looked like billions of years ago. By gaining that information, we can learn more about how the Universe has been changing over its lifetime, and improve our theories about what will happen in the future.

Answer 2

In addition to some of the excellent answers above, keep in mind that the science we now call astronomy was one of the first (if not the very first) of all sciences in that astronomy is the science that deals with measuring the passage of time (not just space).
It was the study of the heavenly bodies that taught us about gravity and orbits. And the gentleman who seems to think it is a waste of tax dollars would be advised to remember all the advancements that are a direct or indirect result of the study of the heavens and the exploration of space.
It drives some people absolutely batty to point out that many of the comforts and things that they would never give up in today's society were developed by either the space program or the military.
It is OK to question these things. But when you do question them, remember that the TV program you are watching most likely bounced off a satellite. The cellular network you use to talk to your friends, depends on timing signals from military GPS satellites. And don't forget the first computers were designed to calculate artillery tables for the military and the space program is responsible for numerous advances in computer technology.
And the next time you see an emergency notice that there is a tornado, hurricane or typhoon bearing down on your area, it was a satellite that first spotted it.

Answer 3

I think it has the same level of importance as art, music, sports and so on. It is what people do. Such activity is what makes us different from the animals.

But to be more practical, study of asteroids and comets could save millions of lives, if we successfully predict when one is going to hit Earth. At the very least we could evacuate the part of Earth where the impact would occur, and in the best case we could use space craft to change the course of the asteroid or comet slightly so that it missed Earth completely.

Answer 4

It is very important to study what is out there in space. By studying other celestial bodies we can better understand our planet. We learn more about our planets origin and where we are headed.

Answer 5

Have we ever asked ourselves why should we go beyond our town, our own country, to see what is happening outside our own realm. No. It is because of the basic curiosity. So, to explore other celestial bodies, to begin with, for old astronomers, it could have been just curiosity. and then a comparison with our own. Along with it came the eagerness to know as to the origin, development and possible decay of other planets or solar systems as ours. Gradually, the astronomers must have come to know of the milky way, the galaxies, etc. This led to unravel the mysteries of how a star could be born and the nature of the matter it contains and what could be its power etc., in relation to other bodies.

Slowly, this knowledge let us think into why should these bodies should exist at all? Wherefrom did they come? What is the nature of matter they contain? How do they differ among themselves? How do they exist in relation to one another? What are the gravitational pulls and pressures that exist between star systems ? What are meteors? What happens when crack and fall inside our own earth? All the knowledge leads us to know how our own earth is going to shape itself in the thousands or millions or even billions of years to come.
Today, a man in Chicago proposes to a woman at Chennai.
It may well happen that a girl from Jupiter may send an SMS to a lad at earth, possibly working in the moon in a BPO Centre.
These are not fantasies. Have you heard of UFOs? They, if I am right, are sufficient proof of the anxiety and curiosity of living beings (somewhere in the universe) to know who we are and how we are.
Friend! You and I may be surprised to learn that our earth is to Universe is what a particle of sand (in the tip of a nail) compares in the shores of a beach.
To conclude, this knowledge of other celestial bodies is an absolute must.
Astronomy leads us to the metaphysical realm also. It compels us not to disbelieve when we are yet to know. It compels us to know that the total knowledge of all mankind is too insignificant when compared with the vast knowhow yet be explored.
And that awareness will make us humble. And that awareness may possibly lead us to One who made us all. And that awareness will possibly unite all of us who live in this earth with more love, compassion and affection towards one another.

Answer 6

Some people need to feel closure perhaps. I think that it is profound of what we can do with the shuttle and what not. How far we have come in just a short while. However are there not problems hear on Earth? Money can't make every problem go away, however it can beg-a-pardon.

Answer 7

To know the actual answers about the following three basic questions of human being:
Where Do We Come From?
What Are We?
Where Are We Going?

Answer 8

To gain knowledge of the universe we live in.

Answer 9

i think it will make us see how special earth is they are beautiful but with no life on them all that beauty and dead ..so to speak our earth is home to all its very special its alive..its a true wonder

Answer 10

It's not important, they are wasting our tax dollars!