Abstract
Why is astronomy useful? Why should it be part of the school curriculum? This paper lists about 20 reasons: cultural, historical, and philosophical reasons: practical, technological, and scientific reasons; environmental, aesthetic, and emotional reasons; and pedagogical reasons. Astronomy can attract young people lo science and technology; it can promote public awareness. understanding, and appreciation of science; it can be done as an accessible inexpensive hobby: "the stars belong to everyone." This paper then connects the reasons to the expectations of the modern school curriculum, including knowledge, skills, applications,
and attitudes.
