astronomyadjacent

Astronomyadjacent is a loosely defined term used to describe disciplines, activities, and communities that are closely related to astronomy but are not considered core astronomy. The definition relies on shared objects of interest, data sources, techniques, or goals, rather than on formal departmental boundaries. The term is informal and varies in use across institutions and publications.

Fields commonly described as astronomyadjacent include astrophysics, planetary science, astrochemistry, astrobiology, cosmology, space physics, heliophysics, and instrumentation development for astronomical observations. It also covers data science and computational methods developed to analyze large astronomical datasets, as well as education and outreach efforts that interpret astronomical data. The umbrella is intentionally broad to reflect how modern space science spans multiple specialties that contribute to astronomical knowledge.

Common methods unite these areas: use of telescopes and detectors across electromagnetic spectra, laboratory experiments that simulate space conditions, theoretical modeling and simulations, and advanced data analysis techniques such as machine learning and statistical inference. Collaborative projects often involve teams from several adjacent fields working together to address questions about star and planet formation, the behavior of galaxies, the chemistry of interstellar medium, and the potential for life beyond Earth.

The distinction between astronomy and astronomyadjacent is not fixed. In many contexts, practitioners collaborate across the boundary, with researchers in astronomyadjacent fields contributing to questions about exoplanets, stellar evolution, and cosmic evolution. The term acknowledges interdisciplinary work that supports astronomical research without being the primary focus.

See also: astrophysics, planetary science, astrochemistry, astrobiology, cosmology, heliophysics, space instrumentation, observational astronomy, data science in astronomy.