Observational astronomy

Observational astronomy is a division of astronomy that is concerned with recording data about the observable universe, in contrast with theoretical astronomy, which is mainly concerned with calculating the measurable implications of physical models. It is the practice and study of observing celestial objects with the use of telescopes and other astronomical instruments. As a science, the study of astronomy is somewhat hindered in that direct experiments with the properties of the distant universe are not possible.

Extends: [Observational astronomy](https://wikipedia.org.ai/Observational astronomy), [Scientific observation](https://wikipedia.org.ai/Scientific observation), [Astronomical sub-disciplines](https://wikipedia.org.ai/Astronomical sub-disciplines)