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In astronomy, theoretical astronomy is a typically used opposite observational astronomy, to group discussion about astronomical topics that are not directly based on observations.
The term "theoretical astronomy" is sometimes used as the counterpoint for observational astronomy:
"Observational and theoretical astronomy are fast-paced fields in which progress depends on a broad range of long-term, large-scale facility investments, from international observatories to high-performance computing." [1]
Publications from experts in fields outside of astronomy also use this counterpoint:
“Observational astronomy entails gathering and evaluating information from telescopes and other devices that find various kinds of space-derived electromagnetic radiation or particles. To describe and forecast the behavior of celestial objects and phenomena based on the laws of physics and chemistry, theoretical astronomy develops models and simulations.” [2]
Another example from fluid mechanics:
"Especially, well-known continuum models, which have firstly been found in fluid mechanics, next became the key patterns in theoretical astronomy, electrodynamics, string theory, etc." [3]
Prominent astrophysicist Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, known for his work on non-standard cosmology also used this counterpoint in a 1990 article describing a curriculum for astronomy. [4]
In the sense of an opposite to observational astronomy, theoretical astronomy would include physical cosmology along with its subtopics, large-scale structure and galaxy formation and evolution as well as topics described as astrophysics like stellar dynamics. [5]
"Theoretical astronomy" appears in the names of some institutes:
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