What do we call the study of the universe beyond Earth?

The study of the universe beyond Earth is best described by the term "astronomy." This field encompasses various aspects of celestial bodies and phenomena, including the observation and interpretation of stars, planets, comets, galaxies, and the overall structure and evolution of the universe. Astronomy relies heavily on observations made through telescopes and other instruments to explore the vastness of space, aiming to understand how these bodies interact and the principles that govern their behavior.

Cosmology, while related, specifically focuses on the origin, evolution, and eventual fate of the universe as a whole, including the study of cosmic phenomena on a large scale. Astrophysics, on the other hand, examines the physical properties and underlying processes of celestial objects and the universe. Both fields are integral to a comprehensive understanding of the universe but are subsets of the broader discipline of astronomy. Geology is the study of the Earth itself and does not pertain to celestial observations beyond our planet. Thus, astronomy is the most accurate term for the study of the universe beyond Earth.