Here's why:
* Cosmology is the study of the origin, evolution, and structure of the universe. It encompasses both the knowledge we have gathered about the universe (e.g., the Big Bang theory, the existence of dark matter) and the scientific methods used to gather and analyze that knowledge (e.g., observations with telescopes, theoretical modeling).
While other words might be relevant, they don't capture the full breadth of the concept:
* Astrophysics focuses more on the physical properties of celestial objects, like stars and planets.
* Astronomy is the study of celestial objects and their phenomena, but it doesn't necessarily include the methodology.
* Science is a broader term encompassing all knowledge acquisition methods, not just those related to the universe.
Therefore, cosmology is the most accurate and concise term to describe both the knowledge and the method of understanding the universe.