S pace science is distinct from the other cosmos-related sciences. Astronomy generally involves the observation of celestial phenomena. Astrophysics concentrates on understanding the fundamental processes of celestial phenomena such as the workings of stars and galaxies.
Cosmology looks at the birth, life and death of the universe as a whole.
Space science, in particular, concentrates on the macro-sciences such as the geology, meterology, chemistry, and, perhaps, biology in our solar system. Space science really came into its own with the development of spacecraft that could go out and directly investigate phenomena near the earth and out in the solar system. The ultimate amateur space science participation comes via direct interaction with space probes exploring our solar system and with rovers exploring them. A few opportunities for this participation have already occurred and more and more will happen as space exploration continues, especially with the increasing number of Mars missions. This section also includes many topics involving near-earth and solar system based phenomena, e.g. meteor show observation, aurora investigation, etc., that might be expected to reside in the Astronomy section.