天体観測

• Reading: てんたいかんそく
• Romaji: tentaikansoku
• Kanji breakdown: 天 (ten) — heaven; 体 (tai) — body; 観 (kan) — observe, view; 測 (soku) — measure
• Pronunciation: /teɴ.tai.kaɴ.so.kɯ/

Meaning

Astronomical observation; stargazing. The act of observing celestial bodies.

A noun combining 天体 (tentai, celestial body) and 観測 (kansoku, observation). Covers both professional astronomical observation and casual stargazing as a hobby. Also the title of a famous song by BUMP OF CHICKEN (2001), which made the term widely recognised among younger Japanese people beyond its scientific meaning. Common in science education and outdoor hobby contexts.

Examples

1. 今夜は天体観測に最適な条件だ。 Tonight's conditions are perfect for stargazing.
2. 子どものころ、父と一緒に天体観測をした。 When I was a kid, I used to go stargazing with my dad.
3. 天体観測のために山の上まで車を走らせた。 We drove up into the mountains to do some astronomical observation.

Usage Guide

Context: astronomy, hobbies, science education

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 天体 (tentai, celestial body) + 観測 (kansoku, observation/measurement). A term for the systematic or recreational watching of objects in the sky.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal