CC Skills Astronomy

The science that deals with the origin, evolution, composition, distance, and motion of all bodies and scattered matter in the universe. A skill of 15 will be able to identify most major constellations. Skills above 30 will have specialist knowledge in Infrared, Optical, Ultraviolet, Radio, X-ray, or Gamma-ray astronomy (each 6 points above 30 will give another wavelength). Although there are still some wavelength specialists, most actually approach the subject on a per-phenomena basis.

There are a number of sub-fields, not the least of which is Cosmology – the study of the universe as a whole.

In those sub-fields, astronomy heavily cross-trains with other sciences as well. For instance:

Astrophysics. This requires an astronomy and complementary physics skill over 15, with the primary no less than 10 points from the secondary. This branch of astronomy concerned primarily with the properties and structure of cosmic objects, including the universe as a whole. Also called Cosmology, practitioners of this arcane discipline are in the company of no less than Aristotle, Copernicus, Einstein and Hawking. At skills of 15+, users understand the details of solar fusion. At 50+, you've entered theory, and 75+ pushes philosophically toward what existed before the universe and the nature of God. Nothing major.

For characters with an interest in Astrogeology, see: Geology.