Why Astronomy?

[capehoneysuckle]

No: HPFGUIDX 91887

> {Robert}
> 
> Why do the Hogwarts students study astronomy?  It can't be just for
> Divination because Hermione is not taking Divination but is taking
> astronomy.
> 
> They don't take biology for the Healers or chemistry to help with
Potions --
> so why astronomy?
> 
> 
> {Anne}
> 
(snip examples of effects of planet positions and phases of moons on
other spells)
 So my guess would be that young wizards and witches need to
> know what's going on in the heavens for spell work and potions/herbalism
> gathering as well as divination.
> 
> It probably also ties into Arithmancy ('Magical' math) for the wizarding
> version of Physics...something I can see Hermione very much getting
> into...^^
> 
> Anne

Honey:
What the Hogwarts students are studying in Astronomy doesn't seem to
be related to muggle astronomy at all. Astronomers study things like
the geology of planets and the physics of star formation and how
astronomical observations support or disprove theories about the
formation of the universe. Astrologers make star charts, not
astronomers. Thus, the Hogwarts "Astronomy" class is very likely to be
related to requirements for specific potions or charms, or for
Divination or Arithmancy (i.e. Divination using numbers), rather than
for any muggle-y sort of use.

Just my $0.02.
Honey