"Astrophysics 'seeks to ascertain the nature of the heavenly bodies, rather than their positions or motions in space–what they are, rather than where they are.'"
The application of physical principles and concepts to the study of astronomical objects and phenomena. Topics may include stellar astrophysics, cosmology, and astrophysical data analysis.
Astronomy: Astronomy is the study of celestial objects through observation and analysis. This includes studying the properties and interactions of stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial bodies.
Classical Mechanics: Classical mechanics is the study of the motion of objects under the influence of forces, including the laws of motion and the concepts of energy, momentum, and rotation.
Electromagnetism: Electromagnetism deals with the behavior of electric and magnetic fields and their interactions with charged particles, including the production of electromagnetic radiation.
Thermodynamics: Thermodynamics is the study of the relationships between heat, energy, and work, including the laws of thermodynamics and the concept of entropy.
Nuclear Physics: Nuclear physics is the study of the behavior of atomic nuclei, including the processes of nuclear fusion and fission, radioactive decay, and nuclear reactions.
General Relativity: General relativity is a theory of gravity that describes the gravitational interaction between celestial objects in terms of a geometric framework.
Quantum Mechanics: Quantum mechanics describes the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic scales, including the principles of wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle.
Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics: Astrophysical fluid dynamics deals with the behavior of gases and other fluids in celestial environments, including the study of fluid motions, magnetic fields, and radiative transfer.
Stellar Evolution: Stellar evolution describes the life cycle of stars from their formation to their eventual death, including the different stages of evolution and the processes involved.
Planetary Science: Planetary science is the study of the formation and evolution of planets, including their atmospheres, interiors, and interactions with their environments.
Cosmology: Cosmology is the study of the origins and evolution of the universe, including the Big Bang theory, dark matter, and dark energy.
Astrobiology: Astrobiology is the study of the origins, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe, including the search for extraterrestrial life.
High-energy Astrophysics: High-energy astrophysics deals with the study of celestial objects and phenomena that emit high-energy radiation, including black holes, pulsars, and gamma-ray bursts.
Astrochemistry: Astrochemistry is the study of the chemical processes that occur in space, including the formation of molecules, the chemistry of interstellar dust, and the role of chemistry in the formation of planets and stars.
Observational Techniques: Observational techniques are the methods used to observe celestial objects and phenomena, including telescopes, detectors, and data analysis techniques.
Stellar Astrophysics: The study of stars, their formation, evolution, and death.
Galactic Astrophysics: The study of the Milky Way and other galaxies, their structures, evolution, and interactions.
Extragalactic Astrophysics: The study of objects outside of the Milky Way, such as other galaxies, quasars, and active galactic nuclei.
Cosmology: The study of the origin, evolution, and structure of the universe as a whole.
High-Energy Astrophysics: The study of high-energy phenomena in the universe, such as black holes, neutron stars, supernovae, and gamma-ray bursts.
Planetary Astrophysics: The study of planets and other objects in our solar system and beyond, including their formation, atmospheres, and potential for life.
Astrochemistry: The study of chemical processes in space, including the formation of molecules and the chemical evolution of the universe.
Astrobiology: The study of life in the universe, including the conditions necessary for life, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and the search for life beyond Earth.
Gravitational Astrophysics: The study of the role of gravity in the universe, including the study of gravitational waves and gravity’s effects on the structure and evolution of stars and galaxies.
Interstellar Medium: The study of the gas, dust, and plasma that exist in the space between stars, including their physical properties, distribution, and evolution.
"Among the subjects studied are the Sun (solar physics), other stars, galaxies, extrasolar planets, the interstellar medium, and the cosmic microwave background."
"Astrophysicists apply concepts and methods from many disciplines of physics, including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, relativity, nuclear and particle physics, and atomic and molecular physics."
"Properties examined include luminosity, density, temperature, and chemical composition."
"Some areas of study for astrophysicists include their attempts to determine the properties of dark matter, dark energy, black holes, and other celestial bodies; and the origin and ultimate fate of the universe."
"In practice, modern astronomical research often involves a substantial amount of work in the realms of theoretical and observational physics."
"Topics also studied by theoretical astrophysicists include Solar System formation and evolution; stellar dynamics and evolution; galaxy formation and evolution; magnetohydrodynamics; large-scale structure of matter in the universe; origin of cosmic rays; general relativity, special relativity, quantum and physical cosmology, including string cosmology and astroparticle physics."
"Among the subjects studied are the Sun (solar physics), other stars, galaxies, extrasolar planets, the interstellar medium, and the cosmic microwave background."
"Emissions from these objects are examined across all parts of the electromagnetic spectrum."
"Astrophysics 'seeks to ascertain the nature of the heavenly bodies, rather than their positions or motions in space–what they are, rather than where they are.'"
"Some areas of study for astrophysicists include their attempts to determine the properties of dark matter, dark energy, black holes, and other celestial bodies."
"Properties examined include luminosity, density, temperature, and chemical composition."
"Astrophysicists apply concepts and methods from many disciplines of physics, including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, relativity, nuclear and particle physics, and atomic and molecular physics."
"Topics also studied by theoretical astrophysicists include Solar System formation and evolution; stellar dynamics and evolution; galaxy formation and evolution; magnetohydrodynamics; large-scale structure of matter in the universe; origin of cosmic rays; general relativity, special relativity, quantum and physical cosmology, including string cosmology and astroparticle physics."
"Emissions from these objects are examined across all parts of the electromagnetic spectrum."
"Because astrophysics is a very broad subject, astrophysicists apply concepts and methods from many disciplines of physics."
"Some areas of study for astrophysicists include their attempts to determine the properties of dark matter, dark energy, black holes, and other celestial bodies; and the origin and ultimate fate of the universe."
"In practice, modern astronomical research often involves a substantial amount of work in the realms of theoretical and observational physics."
"Astrophysics 'seeks to ascertain the nature of the heavenly bodies, rather than their positions or motions in space–what they are, rather than where they are.'"
"Topics also studied by theoretical astrophysicists include Solar System formation and evolution; stellar dynamics and evolution; galaxy formation and evolution; magnetohydrodynamics; large-scale structure of matter in the universe; origin of cosmic rays; general relativity, special relativity, quantum and physical cosmology, including string cosmology and astroparticle physics."