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The earth sciences include geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. Astronomy studies things outside Earth’s atmosphere and affects life on Earth in various ways, including planetary temperature and ocean tides. The relationship between space and earth sciences is fundamental for the support of animals and vegetation, as the Sun’s energy is necessary for life. The moon influences ocean tides, and asteroids and meteorites can affect life on Earth. Researchers study astronomy to understand how celestial bodies affect life on Earth and predict major changes.
The earth sciences comprise four main areas of study; geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. Each of these areas affects life on Earth in different ways. Astronomy, sometimes called space science, is the study of things outside the Earth’s atmosphere, such as other planets, stars, the sun and moon, and other solar systems. The earth and space sciences are related in many ways, mainly with respect to planetary temperature and ocean tides. Asteroids and other space debris can further affect life on Earth when they enter the atmosphere.
Life on Earth does not happen in a vacuum. The relationship between space and earth sciences is fundamental for the support of animals and vegetation. For example, seasons are determined based on the Earth’s position along its orbital path around the Sun. Likewise, days and nights are determined by Earth’s rotation on its axis. Without the light and energy of the Sun, humanity would not have the ability to grow crops, raise livestock or even survive in certain geographical areas.
Likewise, the space and earth sciences are further linked because the moon influences ocean tides. As the Earth spins, it creates a centrifugal force that competes directly with the moon’s gravitational pull. High and low tides are determined by where the Earth is in its daily rotation, relative to the moon’s gravitational pull. When an area of the Earth is directly in line with the moon, the moon’s gravitational pull or Earth’s centrifugal force creates high tide, depending on which side of the planet faces the moon. Other areas experience low tide during this same period.
The relationships between space and earth sciences are seen again when asteroids approach the Earth or when meteorites strike the earth. Scientists believe that a large meteorite was responsible for the extinction of much prehistoric life, including dinosaurs. Many more believe the likelihood of another large meteor hitting Earth is high. The questions regarding the possible size of such a meteor and its effect on life on Earth are numerous, encompassing an entire sub-specialty of space science.
Researchers and scientists typically study astronomy to gain a deeper understanding of how earth and space sciences are related. By understanding how celestial bodies, planets, gravity and other forces affect regional climates, weather, ocean tides and similar aspects of life on Earth, scientists can predict major changes and events that will affect humanity. Astronomers, geologists, meteorologists and oceanographers typically share the information they learn to further expand man’s understanding of how the Earth works and how it fits into the Universe.
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