Meaning: 'Encompasses' means to include or contain something within a larger scope.

Wrong options:

• equipped: 'Equipped' is a past participle that refers to being provided with necessary tools or resources, which does not fit the context of describing what astronomy does.
• concerned: 'Concerned' is an adjective that implies worry or interest, which does not accurately describe the action of astronomy as a science.
• cost: 'Cost' is a noun that refers to the amount required to purchase something, which is irrelevant in the context of astronomy.
• contacts: 'Contacts' is a noun that refers to people or organizations that one knows or communicates with, which does not relate to the study of astronomy.
• advent: 'Advent' is a noun that refers to the arrival of a notable person or event, which does not fit as a verb describing what astronomy does.
• phenomena: 'Phenomena' is a noun that refers to observable events, but it does not serve as a verb and therefore cannot fit in this blank.

Correct answer: phenomena

Explanation: The term 'phenomena' is a plural noun that refers to observable events or occurrences, which fits contextually as it complements the study of extraterrestrial objects in astronomy.

Meaning: 'Phenomena' refers to events or occurrences that can be observed, especially in a scientific context.

Wrong options:

• equipped: 'Equipped' is a past participle that does not relate to the study of astronomy and does not fit grammatically as a noun.
• concerned: 'Concerned' is an adjective that does not fit as it does not refer to a noun related to astronomy.
• cost: 'Cost' is a noun that refers to the price of something, which is irrelevant in this context.
• contacts: 'Contacts' is a noun that refers to people or organizations, which does not relate to the scientific study of astronomy.
• advent: 'Advent' is a noun that refers to the arrival of something, which does not fit as it does not describe a type of study or object.
• encompasses: 'Encompasses' is a verb and cannot fit in this blank as it does not refer to a noun.

Correct answer: advent

Explanation: The word 'advent' is a noun that signifies the arrival or beginning of an important event. In this context, it refers to the significant moment when the telescope was introduced, marking a new era in the study of astronomy.

Meaning: 'Advent' means the arrival or beginning of something significant.

Wrong options:

• equipped: 'Equipped' is a past participle that does not fit as it does not refer to a moment or event in time.
• concerned: 'Concerned' is an adjective that does not describe a significant event and is not appropriate in this context.
• cost: 'Cost' is a noun that refers to the price of something, which does not relate to the arrival of an event.
• contacts: 'Contacts' is a noun that refers to people or organizations, which does not fit the context of an event's arrival.
• encompasses: 'Encompasses' is a verb that does not fit as it does not describe a moment or event.
• phenomena: 'Phenomena' is a plural noun that refers to observable events, but it does not indicate the arrival of something.

Correct answer: concerned

Explanation: The word 'concerned' is an adjective that describes the focus or interest of the study of astronomy prior to the advent of the telescope. It fits grammatically as it describes the state of astronomy's study.

Meaning: 'Concerned' means being focused on or involved with something.

Wrong options:

• equipped: 'Equipped' is a past participle that does not fit as it does not describe the focus of the study.
• cost: 'Cost' is a noun that refers to the price of something, which is irrelevant in this context.
• contacts: 'Contacts' is a noun that refers to people or organizations, which does not relate to the focus of astronomy.
• encompasses: 'Encompasses' is a verb that does not fit as it does not describe a state or focus of study.
• advent: 'Advent' is a noun that refers to the arrival of something, which does not fit as it does not describe the focus of astronomy's study.
• phenomena: 'Phenomena' is a plural noun that refers to observable events, which does not describe the focus of the study.