Astronomica

Astronomica, in Latin, is the feminine adjective meaning "of the stars" or "astronomical." In English usage, the term often refers to the didactic Latin poem Astronomica, traditionally attributed to the Roman poet Marcus Manilius, dating to the early Imperial era (1st century CE). The work is composed in five books of elegiac couplets and presents a systematic overview of astrology and natural philosophy as then understood.

The content blends descriptions of the heavens, the zodiac, planetary rulerships, decans, meteorology, and ethics. It argues that celestial influences shape earthly events and human character, and it aims to instruct readers in the practical and moral uses of astrological knowledge. Although it reflects Hellenistic and Roman traditions, the poem also functions as a literary vehicle for cosmological speculation and for illustrating the unity of the cosmos.

Historically, Astronomica survived through Latin manuscripts and later circulated in medieval and early modern scholarly contexts; it was cited by scholars and included in compilations of astrology and natural philosophy. It has been edited and translated numerous times, making the work accessible to modern readers and scholars studying the history of astrology and classical poetics.

In contemporary reference, "astronomica" may be used as a generic Latin term for things relating to astronomy, but outside of Latin-language contexts, it most commonly denotes the Manilius poem. See also Marcus Manilius, astrology in antiquity, classical texts on astronomy.