| MadSci Network: Astronomy |
Hello!
In strict usage, cosmology refers to the study of the universe as it is
now (or at least as it can be observed now); cosmogony refers to the study
of the origins of the universe. Cosmic
Chemistry explains this difference in more detail.
However, in current usage, cosmology is often used as a general term, with cosmogony referring to a particular topic within cosmology. Certainly cosmology is used much more frequently. The Astronomy Knowledge Base's Cosm ogony Comparison Table has both the strict definition and an indication of actual usage.
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Astronomy.