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Posted by: Dredd
Posted by: WinyPit82
Posted by: Dredd
Probably the most pointless branch of science right now.
"Pointless" is the most inappropriate word that can be used when describing astronomy. Research in the field of astrophysics and any form of spacial science has direct application to current technological goals and advances here on Earth. Humanity has benefited an enormous amount from NASA, because a large amount of the technology used by such organizations are very useful back on Earth, or lead to very important advances.
You clearly don't understand the difference between astronomy and engineering. The creations of NASA is by no means a product derived from astronomy but from engineering practices and innovation. What you're trying to argue is that astronomy is the motivation behind NASA engineering, which does nothing to invalidate my previous claim. And the contributions of astrophysics pales in comparison to Newtonian physics, relativity, and quantum mechanics. Astrophysics is based on practical physics to begin with. But nice attempt to make it appear like you know what you're talking about.
Let's make a distinction between "Astronomy" and "Astrophysics" here. To claim any field of science is pointless is quite frankly, wrong. Astrophysics covers such a huge slice of Physics, to claim its contributions "pale in comparison" to Newtonian physics (since disproved), relativity (a branch of Astrophysics) and quantum mechanics (again, covered by Astrophysics) shows a distinct lack of understanding on your part. Astrophysics covers mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, relativity, nuclear and particle physics, and atomic and molecular physics. To claim that Astrophysics is pointless is to claim that each and every one of these fields is also pointless.
And what can be said of the discoveries made by Astrophysicists? Much of our modern understanding of radiation comes directly from the study of the cosmos. Contributions have also been made in the fields of Biology, geology and meteorology: studying conditions on exoplanets has led to an increased understanding of how conditions on Earth developed, everything from early life, atmospheres, mountains, weather systems - all have Astrophysics to thank for huge developments.
You are correct to say that NASA's innovations are not the product of Astronomy, but rather Astrophysics. Many of the defining principles of gravitation (which allow for the complex calculations around rocket launches and orbits) came as a direct result of applying General Relativity to the formulae derived from the study of the orbits of planets, asteroids and comets.
*End of rant* I don't mean to offend anyone, and I don't want to sound angry or condescending or any of that Jazz. It just really rustles my jimmies when people slag off branches of science.
Can't we just all get along? :P
[Edited on 01.07.2013 12:09 PM PST]