Translation guide
The scientific study of celestial objects, space, and the universe.
Referring to astronomy as an academic discipline or science.
The standard term for astronomy as a science.
彼は天文学を専攻しています。
He is majoring in astronomy.
Talking about stargazing or amateur astronomy.
Literally 'celestial observation', used for both amateur and professional observation.
週末に天体観測に行きませんか？
Would you like to go stargazing this weekend?
A casual, somewhat poetic term for stargazing. Less common than 天体観測.
今夜は星見に最適な夜だ。
Tonight is a perfect night for stargazing.
Referring to astronomy in an educational context.
Often used in compound words or as a shorter form, e.g., 天文部 (astronomy club).
高校の時、天文部に入っていました。
In high school, I was in the astronomy club.
天文学 is the academic discipline, while 天体観測 refers to the act of observing celestial bodies, which can be done by professionals or amateurs. In English, 'astronomy' can cover both, but in Japanese they are distinct.