Question

is astronomy based on probability and chance? Are certain laws well defined, and verified through experimentation?

Answer 1

I guess you have confused yourself with astrology and astronomy. Astronomy is a perfectly well defined part of natural science. It deals with celestial objects and incorporates all wings of science i.e mathematics, chemistry and mainly physics. Since there are so many celestial object, at some facet statistics and probability do play a part as it is no trivial task to observe so many active participant of a physical phenomena. But apart from that laws like that of keplars planetary motion are well defined and are verified by experimental observation. Discovery of new stars, comets , planets, galaxies in itself is a proof to this form of science.

Lastly as my initial opinion, astrology is a different question. It is a form of practice which formed an integral part of ancient civilization such as the mayan, chinese , egyptian, indian ( harappa ) etc. Today this practise is still prevelant in forms of horoscope, palm reading, etc. I would be at odds with many if i go further but as a scientist it is difficult for me to acknowledge many facets of this form of practise.