Astronomy is mainly divided into three research directions: astrophysics, astrometry, celestial mechanics and astronomical technology. It focuses on the study of celestial bodies in the universe with the knowledge of physics and mathematics (mechanics) and the development of astronomical observation technology. In science, this major focuses on enriching human knowledge of natural science and culture and influencing human world outlook. In application, the research results of this major are widely used in communication and navigation, aerospace and other fields, and also play an important role in national economic construction and national security.

Development:

1960, Beijing Normal University established the Department of Astronomy. In the same year, the Department of Geophysics of Peking University opened the astrophysics major.

Since 20 1 1 year, astronomy major has been developing continuously, and many universities in China have begun to rebuild or build astronomy majors.

In 20 12, the astronomy professional code in the Catalogue of Undergraduate Majors in Colleges and Universities (20 12) issued by the Ministry of Education of People's Republic of China (PRC) was changed from 07050 1 to 07040 1.