Conclusion

         The significance of the connection between math and astronomy is an obvious one.

Math, the most powerful tool on earth, is used in virtually every field of study, especially

astronomy. The applications of math have furthured the study of space and what inhabits

it, possibly more than all other factors combined. To answer "What is astronomy?", one

must first know what mathematics is. That is how significant their connection really is.

          Great minds such as Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler used mathematics to

further the world's knowledge of astronomy. During their lives they applied math to

astronomy and vice versa to discover laws and principles that still play major roles in

modern applications of mathematics and modern astronomy. Without man their research

in astronomy would have been fruitless. Their roles in math and astronomy is so significant

that NASA, the most technologically advanced space program. has recognized them by

creating high-tech space observation tools that bear their names.

          Basically mathematics is to astronomy, what fuel is to an automobile. Without the

fuel, the automobile isn't going anywhere, it's the same with math to astronomy. If the

numerous applications of math were not developed by great minds such as Galileo Galilei

Johannes Kepler, the study of astronomy would be nothing more than observation and

speculation.

          What math is applied to and what astronomy is focused on will always change. But

you can rest assured that they will have a very important connection, regardless of the level

of technology or what is trying be accomplished. Astronomy will always use mathematics

in one way or another, because mathematics is astronomy's fuel. A fuel that has always and

will always be required if we are to further our knowledge of space and the celestial bodies

that inhabit it.