Astronomy is the branch of natural science that studies celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole. It investigates the nature and evolution of stars, galaxies, planetary systems, and cosmic background radiation. Through observation and theoretical modeling, the field explores topics ranging from the formation and life cycles of stars to the large-scale structure and ultimate fate of the cosmos. Modern astronomical techniques utilize sophisticated instrumentation, such as radio telescopes and space observatories, to gather data on electromagnetic radiation across the entire spectrum. The discipline is fundamentally intertwined with astrophysics, which applies the laws of physics to astronomical phenomena, providing a detailed quantitative understanding of cosmic processes and physical laws.