Astronomy and society

Abstract

The impact of astronomy on society and culture is reviewed. Emphasis is given to the deeply rooted aspiration of humans to capture the nature of the cosmos and figure out their place in it, whether alone or shared with other intelligent beings in distant worlds. Astronomical research carried out over the past 100 years has completely revolutionized our view of the universe, while exoplanets and exoplanetary systems are being identified at an increasing pace, but the search for the ubiquity of life will probably need next generation telescopes. Astronomy has greatly contributed to the development of sciences and its recent findings are challenging our understanding of the fundamental laws. Practical applications of astronomical observations are strictly intertwined with the development of civilization since old times; although a curiosity driven science, astronomy can inspire important spin-offs for technology. Because of its history and multidisciplinary nature astronomy plays a central role in science education.