While the surface has only been "scratched", there is actually quite a bit we have learned from outside of the solar system. Spectroscopic analysis reveals the composition of stars through emmission spectra and the composition of clouds in space through absorption spectra. The motion can be deduced by observing the Doppler shift of these lines and observing the proper motion relative to other points. There is also a somtimes controversial distance modulus based upon luminosity, however "reddening" of this light has been premised to introduce significant error. Still, considering all we have is data about the interaction with electromantecic radiation, we have been able to learn quite a bit beyond the solar system. Spectral analysis is a common technique in Earth-bound laboratories, so consider space a big spectrophotometer. But then we really are nothing but a small part in a big experiment anyway, eh?
mole
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mole
Who is John Galt?
