2007-04-22 03:49:56 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
'cosmic' get it? haha
2007-04-22 03:58:29 · update #1
no, that's astrology
2007-04-22 03:54:15 · answer #1 · answered by Avondrow 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
No it's not a waste of time at all.
First of all, without astronomy, you'd likely not have the computer that you're reading this on. The reason? Well, some very fundamental questions would never have been asked and entire pathways of science would likely not have been explored. If we hadn't gone down those paths started by asking some very simple questions, and then seeking the answers, we might not have these computers, the technology to make them, or even the electricity to run them. Instead, we'd still be sitting around believing that the earth is the center of everything and that all those lovely stars are hung on giant crystal spheres like some sort of gaudy cosmic chandelier.
But that really does get at the heart of it doesn't it? Human beings are inquisitive by nature. It's natural that our curiosity extends to the biggest frontier yet, the stars.
Does that kind of exploration and thought solve problems here at home? Well, no, at least not directly, but it may help get the ball rolling in other ways. Similarly, it wouldn't be healthy of everyone on this planet were an astronomy nut; nothing else would get done. However, those negative answers are not sufficient to condemn astronomy (or any other legitimate form of exploration) the "waste of time" heap. At times they may lower astronomy's relative social importance, but never to the point of being a waste.
Lastly, if you can find no other use for the science, at least try and see some of the physical beauty it can reveal. If you've never actually stopped and looked at the night sky, you should give it a try sometime. Even with the unaided eye, there is immense beauty to be seen there. If you want a real eye-opener, turn off your computer, TV, and electric lights and get out away of the light pollution cause by our cities. The night sky without any lights around is truly a spectacular thing.
2007-04-22 09:36:33 · answer #2 · answered by D D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, as human beings we need to know where we are in the universe because everything depends on one thing that we get off this rock. Weither it be by global warming another ice age or anything else this planet will end and the only way to live through it will be simply not to be on it.
2007-04-23 20:46:44 · answer #3 · answered by custodian of time 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Observations of planets was critical to Newton and continues to verify our understanding of physics today.
Personally, I'd like to have more money spent on forecasting possible collisions of earth with asteroids. I don't know about the hollywood version of avoiding disasters like "Armagedon."
2007-04-22 03:57:48 · answer #4 · answered by Skeptic 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, I like that song. Woo hoo Bule Oyster Cult!!! ^_^ Seriously though, I think it's very interesting and so do many others!
2007-04-22 04:26:50 · answer #5 · answered by Primordial Soup 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there so many weird and unbelievable things in the sky . some times i feel that way it's waste of time . but it's not true.
2007-04-22 05:18:46 · answer #6 · answered by stranger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
4u? maybe.... but... A small waste of time was to ask this question.
An astronomical waste of time was reading and responding such kind of questions.
2007-04-23 19:22:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The science that provided us an accurate measure of time, helped people navigate, and helps us better understand our own environment a waste of time? Yeah, OK....
2007-04-22 03:55:46 · answer #8 · answered by Jason T 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Not unless you consider yourself a waste of space...get it...
2007-04-22 14:56:19 · answer #9 · answered by William 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only during the day!
2007-04-22 03:58:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
No. But the real question is: Are You?
2007-04-22 22:32:07 · answer #11 · answered by los 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋