Astrology and Science. Image Source: Blikk

Why Astrology Isn’t Really Science

Astrology is certainly fun to talk about with a cute young thing across the bar. But when it comes to actually guiding your life choices, beware. Astrology isn’t science, and it definitely can’t predict your fate.

Astrology sounds a lot like Astronomy: it’s based on the position of the sun relative to certain constellations. Astrology is the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial objects as a means for divining information about human affairs and terrestrial events. Throughout most of its history astrology was considered a scholarly tradition and was common in academic circles, often in close relation with astronomy, alchemy, meteorology, and medicine. At the end of the 17th century, new scientific concepts in astronomy and physics called astrology into question. Astrology thus lost its academic and theoretical standing. Astrology says that earthly events are influenced by the movements of the sun, moon, planets, and constellations.

Reasons why Astrology isn’t Science.

Zodiac Signs. Image Source: Pininterest

Science relies on ideas that are testable and requires evidence whereas, due to Astrology’s generality, it is not testable. Astrological predictions are so general that anyone of those horoscopes could probably apply to you. In that way, it’s too unspecific to be tested. However, zodiac signs say that they can predict certain traits; like physical strength. This means that stronger people should be born under specific zodiac signs.

One Astrologer tried to prove that the rising of the planet Mars at the time of birth co-related with Athleticism. But this study couldn’t be replicated and therefore, it is not scientifically valid.

A double-blind study was done by both Astrologers and Scientists. However, when Astrologers were asked to match 100 horoscopes with specific psychological profiles, they were unable to actually match them up any better than someone could do it by any chance. Science, according to author Michael Shermer, is about “prediction and falsification.” A scientific claim needs to make a testable statement about nature, then be turned over and inside out to determine if it’s wrong.

However, research has actually found the seasons in which babies are born does have an effect on their biological clock. People born in winter have a higher risk of neurological disorders. Additionally, being born earlier in the year may provide some benefits.

A 2011 study confirmed that the December babies were 15% less likely to meet reading standards in elementary grades.

So, even Astrology is scientifically false. Is it that bad to follow zodiac signs? Some people might think so. Scientist Richard Dawkins believes that Astrology misleads the public, denies scientific progress and belittles the universe. People should care about Astrology as much as they care about Science.

Let us know what you think! Do you believe in Astrology and if so, why? Let us know in the comments below.

 

Reference: Curiosity