Though astronomy and astrology may sound similar, they are basically different subjects studied by human beings. There are a few basic similarities though which may confuse some people about the individuality of the two branches. For example, both the subjects deal with observation of the solar system and planetary movements. The pathways of the sun and the moon are important in both the studies.Understanding the concept of time is also the basic requirements of both the fields. Moreover, in the ancient world, observers and priests used to merge the two fields to chalk up their futures and also understand various calamities and their festivals.
However, huge contrasts are there between astronomy and astrology. Astronomy is a part of hard core science. Whatever conclusions that are drawn from the various observations of the things around us have sound reasoning and proofs behind them. Astronomy is basically close related to another branch called astrophysics which serves the initial theories and assumptions of various questions surrounding our planet. Astronomers confirmed the validity of those theories thorough practical observations and reasoning.
Astrology, on the other hand lags behind astronomy in just one aspect- scientific reasoning. Astrologers study the sun, the moon and some of the stars to predict the future of human beings, to understand people's natures and characteristic straits. Since most people believe nowadays that there are no straight connection between the celestial objects and our birth, it is considered as pseudoscience. Also, lack of organized scientific data also adds to people's disbeliefs. But that does not demean the popularity of astrology in many countries, especially in the Far East.