People referring to astronomy as "astrology".

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It's commonly happened. I've told people that I'm fascinated with outer space. And they've responded, "oh, so you're into astrology." No, astronomy. "astrology" is something different.

I've heard that one of the worst things you could do to an astronomer is to refer to them as an "astrologer". Most astronomers view astrology as total nonsense.

I know, it's annoying to me and I'm not even really into outer space (I'm one of those people who given the right lecture or documentary can find anything fascinating but it's not my specialist interest).

It's a common thing, a bit like the Specific Ocean.

If they're not NT or if they're particularly intelligent and curious, try explaining the difference like why it's an n not an l.

If they're NT, stress the N/M as you repeat back to them 'like astronomy'.

A long time ago in the 90s, i visited an observatory in Uppsala (Sweden) on an open night "wander-in-and-see-the-night-sky" thing. I loved it, we got to see Saturn (i could see the rings!), Messier 42, Mars and the moon in great detail. Then suddenly some middleage couple started talking about astrology

I had to leave before i punched one of them...

I've known the difference since I was kid (despite having no interest in either), and I've heard people use the wrong term so many times, I hardly notice it anymore.

But don't get me started on the annoying mix ups some people make between amphibians and reptiles
Or people who believe all sorts of dumb superstitions about wolves or other endangered animals (and usually adding to the problems)

In general the misuse of words annoys me. But I rarely say anything about it. Certainly substituting astrology for astronomy is a biggie.

The fact that people confuse Astronomy/Astronomers with astrology/astrologers is bad enough.

Try explaining to them that there are actually thirteen constellations along the ecliptic and not twelve "signs" in the "zodiac", or that the outlines of each constellation are not actually seen in the sky, or that there are a total of eighty-eight modern constellations in all, or that the buttons on their clothing have far more gravitational influence on them than the combined gravity of all of the stars put together (except Sol), or basically any observable fact that contradicts their astrological world-view ... you'll soon be hearing their speculations on which sign you were born under and what planetary alignment influences you to being so contentious and obstinate.

"I'll bet that he's an Aries because he's such a butt-head..."

Believing in astrology, or talking about it, is one thing.

But confusing it with "astronomy" is something else.

Like confusing "Sweden" with "Switzerland". Or thinking that they have kangaroos in Austria.