Astronomy vs. Astrology

Astrologers see Mars as a

• grave digger

• giant storm

• warrior

• demon

Some of the words in our language have roots in astrology - such as "disaster" which means:

• destruction

• evil influence

• criminal

• bad star

Astrology can be defined as

• the idea that the positions of the stars and planets at the time of our birth determine our personalities and influence our future.

• the scientific study of celestial objects such as planets, moons and stars.

• the scientific study of astrological phenomena such as the Big Bang Theory.

• the observation of the heavens using telescopes and other instruments.

This effect is described as a common psychological phenomenon whereby individuals give high accuracy ratings to descriptions of their personality that supposedly are tailored specifically to them, that are in fact vague and general enough to apply to a wide range of people.

• The Forer Effect

• The Trump Effect

• The Barnum Effect

• The Oprah Effect

Which of the following is an example of a Barnum statement?

• "You're a person who is prone to bouts of self-examination and have a tendency to be critical of yourself."

• "Your life will end in a tragic accident today."

• "At 11:54 pm you will receive an important call from a loved one."

• "You will meet your soulmate today and form a satisfying relationship that will last the rest of your life."

In the previous question, the Barnum statement being made is considered a Barnum statement because

• It is vague

• It applies to most people

• it states a desirable outcome

• it gives a very precise prediction

In astrology, the constellations that the Sun passes through are considered to be very important. These constellations make up the:

• Solar constellations

• Zodiac

• ecliptic

• Starry Vault

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Astrology can be tested by experiment because:

• It is a valid area of scientific inquiry

• It makes testable predictions

• It relies on scientific observation and principles

• It is already know to be true

Astrology fails as a scientific hypothesis because

• there is no mechanism or known way that it could possibly work

• it is already known that the stars and planets exert influence on our lives

• there was no understanding of gravity or light at the time astrology was developed

• it is already an accepted scientific theory

These "hairy stars" which were often taken as a sign of bad things to come are now called

• galaxies

• planets

• wanderers

• comets