Galactic astronomy, also known as the study of the Milky Way galaxy, covers a vast range of topics from the discovery of new celestial objects to the dynamics of the galactic structure. Synonyms for galactic astronomy include astrophysics, cosmology, and cosmic science. Astrophysics is the study of the physics of celestial bodies, including stars, planets, and galaxies. Cosmology is a study of the origin and evolution of the universe. Cosmic science is a general term that refers to the study of celestial phenomena that are present throughout the universe, such as black holes, dark matter, and dark energy. These synonyms demonstrate the broad scope of interests and research areas involved in the study of the galaxy and the universe beyond.