One of the primary focuses of astronomy is the study of planets. This includes planets within our own solar system, like Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, as well as exoplanets—planets that orbit stars outside our solar system. Astronomers use telescopes and space probes to learn about the composition, atmosphere, and potential habitability of these distant worlds. Missions like NASA’s Mars rovers and the James Webb Space Telescope have revolutionized our understanding of planetary systems.

Stars are another major area of study in astronomy. These massive balls of burning gas, primarily hydrogen and helium, generate light and energy through nuclear fusion. By observing different types of stars—ranging from small red dwarfs to enormous supergiants—astronomers learn about stellar life cycles, from birth in nebulae to dramatic ends as supernovae, neutron stars, or black holes. The study of stars also helps determine the age, structure, and future of the universe.

Beyond individual planets and stars, astronomers study entire galaxies and the universe itself. Our home galaxy, the Milky Way, contains hundreds of billions of stars. It is just one of billions of galaxies in the universe. By studying how galaxies form and evolve, and how they are distributed across space, scientists gain insight into the large-scale structure of the cosmos. They also investigate mysterious phenomena like dark matter and dark energy, which are thought to make up most of the universe’s mass and are critical to understanding its fate.

Modern astronomy also involves the search for life beyond Earth, a field known as astrobiology. This includes studying extreme environments on Earth to understand where life might exist elsewhere, such as under the icy crust of Jupiter’s moon Europa or in the methane lakes of Saturn’s moon Titan.

In summary, astronomy is a window into the workings of the universe. It satisfies human curiosity about our place in the cosmos and helps drive innovation through advanced technology and exploration. By continuing to explore planets, stars, and the vast universe, astronomy not only deepens our understanding of space but also of ourselves.