NASA clarifies distinction between astronomy and astrology

NASA has clarified the distinction between astronomy and astrology, noting that while the two fields are often confused, they are entirely different disciplines. Astronomy is a scientific field that studies stars, planets, and galaxies through observation, mathematics, and verifiable evidence. In contrast, astrology is based on the belief that the positions of celestial bodies at the time of birth influence human personality or fate.

A primary reason for the confusion is that zodiac signs were established based on constellation positions over 2,000 years ago. However, due to the astronomical phenomenon known as the precession of the Earth's axis, these positions have gradually shifted. Consequently, the Sun is no longer in the same constellations on the dates used by traditional astrology.

NASA emphasizes that astronomers use constellations only as celestial reference points rather than tools for predicting human life. Similarly, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) treats constellations as scientific divisions of the sky rather than a basis for astrological predictions.