Astronomically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Science

• Distances in space are often described using this term, like how far a star is from Earth.
• The observable universe is estimated to be about 93 billion light-years in diameter, which can be described as astronomically large.
• Astronomy uses this term when discussing phenomena like black holes or supernovae, which have scales that defy everyday comprehension.

Pop Culture

• Movies often depict space travel as an astronomically challenging adventure with vast distances between planets.
• In literature, authors use this term to describe the overwhelming size of the universe, creating a sense of wonder.
• Space-related music, like Gustav Holst's 'The Planets', captures the feeling of the astronomically majestic cosmos.

Mathematics

• In mathematics, astronomically large numbers often refer to calculations involving galaxies or cosmic events.
• Mathematicians and physicists may use this term to express numbers that are beyond typical human comprehension, like googol or infinite sets.
• When discussing probabilities in cosmology, probabilities may become astronomically low depending on the scenario.

History

• Throughout history, many ancient civilizations observed celestial bodies, leading to the term's early use related to significant astronomical events.
• In the 17th century, Galileo's telescope opened new vistas, making the term more relevant as it represented discoveries that expanded our understanding of the universe.
• The launch of the Hubble Space Telescope in the 1990s provided astronomers with unprecedented, astronomically detailed images of deep space.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the Greek 'astron' meaning star and 'nomos' meaning law; together they imply the 'laws of the stars'.
• It entered the English language in the late 1800s, reflecting the growing interest in space and astronomy.
• Combining 'astro' with 'nomical', it emphasizes a relationship to celestial bodies and their measurements.

The term 'astronomically' is derived from the word 'astronomy,' which itself comes from the Greek words 'astron' meaning 'star' and 'nomos' meaning 'law.' The concept of astronomy dates back to ancient civilizations, where observing the stars was paramount for navigation, agriculture, and timekeeping. The use of 'astronomically' as an adverb began to emerge in the 19th century as scientific understanding of the universe expanded, allowing for comparisons that highlight the vastness of space and celestial distances. This word reflects humanity's quest to comprehend the universe and our place within it, underscoring the scale and complexity of cosmic phenomena.

This word's position of #33,562 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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