Discovery methodology
Theory & Observation
The interplay between prediction and measurement that drives astronomy forward — sometimes theory leads and observation confirms (the prediction of Neptune, of gravitational waves), and sometimes observation surprises and theory must catch up (the accelerating universe).
Astronomers, eras & methods
Across the history of discovery
Knowledge connections
- Associated withThe Scientific Method
- Associated withObservational Bias
- Associated withIsaac Newton
- Associated withFalsifiability
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.