allastronomia

Allastronomia is a term that has appeared in contemporary discussions to describe an integrative or holistic approach to the study of the universe. It is not an established subdiscipline in major astronomical organizations, but rather a proposed concept used in some scholarly and popular science writings.

Definition and scope: Proponents describe allastronomia as an inclusive framework that combines traditional observational astronomy, theoretical and computational modeling, data science, and cross-disciplinary perspectives from history, philosophy of science, and science communication. The aim is to bridge subfields such as planetary science, stellar astrophysics, extragalactic astronomy, and cosmology through shared methods and open data practices.

Methodology and practice: In a typical conceptualization, allastronomia would emphasize cross-scale analysis, multiwavelength observations, and the integration of diverse data sources. It also highlights education, outreach, and participation by non-specialists in data analysis and discovery.

Origins and usage: The term appears sporadically in 21st-century writings and online discussions. There is no formal etymology or standard spelling, and usage varies by author and context.

Criticism and status: Critics note that the label is vague and may overlap with existing disciplines, potentially diluting specialized expertise. Supporters view it as a useful umbrella for multidisciplinary collaboration and public engagement.

See also: Astronomy, Astrophysics, Cosmology, Multidisciplinary science, Data-intensive astronomy.