Astronomy is a peculiar name for a science. In words like
biology,
geology, and
cosmology, the second half comes from the Greek -λογÞ?α or -
logia, which refers to study and divine communication. Hence the study of life, the study of Earth, the study of the cosmos — you know, science!
Astronomy is different. Instead of “study,” astronomy derives its name from the Greek νß?μος (
nómos), for “arranging.” While words like
biology and
geology date back only a few hundred years, the Greeks combined the root words to describe an already ancient endeavor. The oldest of sciences is ñÌ?στρονομÞ?α (
astronomía), the
arranging of stars.
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