The astronomical study of the moon.

The study of the planets are generally named after Greek gods, while the planets themselves are generally named after Roman gods. Luna was the Roman goddess of the moon; Selene was the Greek goddess of the moon.

The word selenology isn't in common usage today, but you can still find it used in the scientific literature, and in science fiction stories, in which it may refer to the study of moons other than our own.

Sel`e*nol"o*gy, n. [Gr. the mean + -logy.]

That branch of astronomy which treats of the moon.

-- Sel`e*no*log"i*cal (#), a.

 

© Webster 1913.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.