Some people are actually quite “invested” in how we create forecasts here at the Dayboro.au Weather station, so much so that they challenge us on a regular basis, which is fine.
Yet they seem to still struggle with the difference between Astrology and Astronomy. Sure, both use planets, but in different ways. To start off with explaining that I put them side by side.
Astrology:
Nature and Purpose:
Astrology is a belief system suggesting that celestial bodies’ positions and movements (such as planets, stars, and the moon) can influence human affairs and natural events. It is used to interpret personality traits, predict future events, and provide insights into various aspects of life, such as relationships, careers, and health.
Methods and Tools:
Astrologers create horoscopes and charts representing the positions of celestial bodies at specific times, usually the time of a person’s birth. They use these charts to provide astrological readings and make predictions.
Astrology relies on symbolic and mystical interpretations rather than empirical data and scientific methods.
Scientific Standing:
Astrology is considered a pseudoscience by the scientific community because it lacks empirical evidence and does not follow the scientific method. Its predictions and interpretations are often vague and general, making them difficult to test and verify.
Historical Context:
Astrology has ancient roots and was practised by many early civilizations, including the Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. It was closely linked with astronomy until the two fields diverged in the early modern period.
Astronomy:
Nature and Purpose:
Astronomy is the scientific study of celestial objects, space, and the universe. It seeks to understand the physical properties, behaviour, and interactions of planets, stars, galaxies, and other astronomical phenomena.
Methods and Tools:
Astronomers use telescopes, satellites, and other observational tools to gather data about celestial objects. They analyse this data by applying mathematical models, physics, and other scientific principles.
Astronomy relies on empirical evidence, experimentation, and the scientific method to develop and test theories about the universe.
Scientific Standing:
Astronomy is a well-established scientific discipline with a long history of discoveries and advancements. The scientific community recognizes it as a legitimate field of study and research.
Historical Context:
Astronomy has ancient origins and was practised by many early civilizations for purposes such as timekeeping and navigation. It became more systematic and scientific during the Renaissance, with figures like Copernicus, Galileo, and Kepler making significant contributions.
Summary of Key Differences:
- Purpose: Astrology aims to interpret human affairs based on celestial positions, while astronomy seeks to understand the universe through scientific investigation.
- Methods: Astrology uses symbolic and mystical methods, whereas astronomy relies on empirical data and scientific principles.
- Scientific Standing: Astrology is considered a pseudoscience, while astronomy is a recognized scientific discipline.
- Historical Context: Both fields have ancient origins, but astronomy evolved into a scientific discipline, whereas astrology remained a belief system.
In conclusion, astrology and astronomy have different goals, methodologies, and levels of scientific validation, with astronomy being a science and astrology being a belief system.
Despite common misconceptions, it is important to distinguish astronomy as a science and astrology as a belief system. The narrative taught in classrooms often does not reflect the full breadth of data and historical context available. Expanding one’s understanding beyond the limited scope of 170 years of climate data (which is 0.022% of what is available to use) reveals that astronomy has historically and significantly contributed to climatology by providing essential insights into Earth's climate system.
Now, here the usual crowd will go, “I TOLD YOU SO ASTROLOGY”, so let me explain that quickly.
Astrology Considerations
Astrology involves using the positions and movements of celestial bodies to predict weather patterns based on their supposed influences:
Planetary Positions and Aspects:
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune: In astrology, these planets are thought to have specific influences on weather conditions. For example, Jupiter is often associated with warm and pleasant weather, while Saturn might indicate colder temperatures or storms.
Planetary Events: Significant alignments or aspects between planets (like conjunctions and oppositions) are considered influential in astrology.
Solar Activity:
Sunspot numbers and solar cycles are sometimes considered in astrological weather predictions, as they are believed to affect Earth’s magnetic field and, consequently, the weather.
Seasonal Astrological Charts:
Erecting charts for the Sun’s entry into signs like Leo and Virgo to predict seasonal weather patterns. These charts are based on the belief that different zodiac signs influence weather differently.
Astronomy Considerations
Astronomy involves the scientific study of celestial bodies and their physical properties and movements, which can also influence weather through measurable physical processes:
Solar Activity:
Sunspot Numbers and F10.7 Index: These are scientifically observed values indicating solar activity. Higher sunspot numbers and F10.7 indices can affect Earth’s climate and weather patterns through solar radiation and geomagnetic activity.
Planetary Positions:
Right Ascension (RA), Declination (DEC), and Distance: These are precise astronomical measurements of planetary positions in the sky, which are used in both astronomy and astrology.
Historical Weather Data:
Historical weather data (like the NOAA data) can be used to identify trends and patterns that can scientifically inform future weather predictions.
Combined Approach
In this forecast, we combine both astrological and astronomical considerations:
Astrology: Interpreting the positions and aspects of planets and using seasonal astrological charts to predict influences on weather. We take it onboard but it is not a specific guidance, because the data from Astronomy overrules Astrology. We use the position data to compliment astronomy.
Astronomy: Utilizing scientific data on solar activity, precise planetary positions, and historical weather trends to inform the forecast.
