This year, we will be covering the
basics of Astronomy. Please also take note that Astronomy is NOT Divination.
Whilst Astrology does deal with the position of the planets, Astronomy and
Astrology are two completely different subjects. Another thing you should all
know is that Muggle Astronomy and Wizarding Astronomy are two completely
different things. Wizarding astronomers study how the movement of these
celestial bodies affect witches and wizards on Earth. An example of this would
be how magical folk with the werewolf curse only change during the full moon.

Astronomy is the study of
astronomical objects that are beyond Earth’s atmosphere. This includes the
eight planets, dwarf planets, the stars, and galaxies. You undoubtedly are
already familiar with some of these bodies in space. Others may be new to you,
such as the rich history behind Astronomy or perhaps the birthplace of the
stars, the nebulae.

Astronomy is important because our
culture has always for the longest time have become one with space and
everything in space. Things about us have also been a part in space, and vice
versa. People in ancient times created myths about gods and  goddesses,
which have had a huge influence on astronomical objects. We named the planets
and several constellations, along with numerous other bodies in space. For
example, the planet Mercury was named after the Roman god of thievery.

Now, back to our primary lesson of
the week, basic facts on the solar system. Our solar system is composed of
numerous planets, asteroids, and various other celestial bodies and objects
that were sent into space, like satellites. This year, we will be talking about
many of these things. The eight planets in our solar system are Mercury, Venus,
Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Pluto is a dwarf planet -
not one of the eight planets! All eight planets revolve around a single star
known as the Sun. Each planet has its own moon or moons, except for Mercury and
Venus, as they do not have any. The moons revolve around their own planet. Our
solar system is more than four billions years old, with many interesting
objects that we will be studying for the rest of your Hogwarts years.

But enough with the sneak peeks into
Astronomy. The following is what you can expect to learn from this course at
the end of the term. All of this information will turn up in the final, so be
prepared!