Astrophysics Definition and 874 Threads

Astrophysics is a science that employs the methods and principles of physics in the study of astronomical objects and phenomena. Among the subjects studied are the Sun, 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, and the properties examined include luminosity, density, temperature, and chemical composition. Because astrophysics is a very broad subject, 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.
In practice, modern astronomical research often involves a substantial amount of work in the realms of theoretical and observational 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. 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.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. Abscissas

    What Are the Best Books to Learn Astrophysics?

    Hey i was posting to ask what type of books i can get to make me more knowledgeable on the subject of astrophysics, it could be more general or very specific if you think its worth knowing please lead me to a book that explains. thank you
  2. B

    Math to astrophysics likeliness?

    What would the chances be of getting a msc/phd in astrophysics after a dual major in maths and applied maths. Please don't just tell me to major in physics/astrophysics, i would like to know would it be likely/unlikely/what problems might there be in the transition, to know how much of a risk...
  3. I

    Astrophysics for the Math Challenged

    I am seriously considering a path of education in the direction of astrophysics/cosmology, but I can barely divide numbers on paper. I have never had any aptitude for mathematics, in my view, but I am extremely interested in the concepts of physics and always have been. If I go to school, I will...
  4. A

    Thinking about taking an astronomy or astrophysics course for fun

    Hi all, I've had an itching lately to dive into something new. Currently, I am a professional computer programmer but have always been interested in astronomy. I took an astronomy course (as well as a lab for it) when I was in college and I remember enjoying it all immensely. I want to get...
  5. A

    What do I do if I eventually want a PhD in astrophysics?

    First of all, my GPA isn't that great-I should have put in much more effort than I have and it is the end of my sophomore year. I'm not sure yet about what topic in astrophysics I want to study (it's all equally fascinating at this point) but I do want a Ph.D. in it... That being said, should...
  6. N

    Fortran [FORTRAN] Determining Apoapsis + Periapsis (Astrophysics)

    Say the focus point - the Sun - is at P(0,0), would I then determine the apoapsis (periapsis) by implementing the Pythagorean Theorem on each point to determine which point's distance is largest (smallest for periapsis) from the origin, then output the coordinates for each? Each coordinate to be...
  7. S

    Book Recommendation On Astrophysics

    Iam a 2nd year electrical engineering student. But, I would like a book that explains the most modern physics and astrophysics. A book that starts off explaining about stars, black holes, worm holes, dark matter ... timespace curveture, all the way to the most recent modern cosmological...
  8. P

    Starting Physics at 12: How to Prepare for an Astrophysics Career

    Hi, I am wondering where to start when you really want a future career in physics especially astrophysics or particle. I am only 12 years old but i want to start studying up and i have skipped a few classes causing iq and getting bored because not so challenging for me. Sorry if my english...
  9. C

    Linear Algebra Applications in Astrophysics

    1.Well this isn't a specific homework problem, I just need a quick idea to use for a paper. Our linear algebra professor is giving us a 50 point paper project/report that has to do with the applications of linear algebra in the field of study we have chosen to pursue. I would like to do...
  10. K

    Physics Theoretical Astrophysics - Still a route to go?

    Hey all, I've been reading tons of story on theoretical physicist not having a job, and end up going to other fields such as finance etc. While we do still earn a living, the situation is pretty hard: why bother to spend ~7 years for a phd to end up in somewhere else? I mean there're better...
  11. A

    Need career guidance towards Astrophysics

    Hi everyone, I want to do an MS in Astrophysics. The thing is, I completed my BE in Mechanical Engineering in 2009 and I had been working as an Assistant Engineer at Taj Hotels (The hospitality arm of the Tata Group). I was in charge of installation and maintenance of DGs, boilers, chiller...
  12. G

    Schools Astrophysics university course - advice

    Hello everybody, my name is Paolo! I am now attending my 4th year (out of 5) of high school in Italy and I would like to study astrophysics at university. Space has interested me since I was at primary school, so I'm very determined about my decision. Yet I have some doubts. First of all...
  13. romsofia

    Quantum gravity in astrophysics?

    I'm currently taking an astrophysics course, and need to do a project on some sort of on-going astrophysics research. Over the last year, I've been reading a few papers here and there in QG (specifically LQG), and was wondering if there was any on-going research relating quantum gravity in...
  14. C

    Physics Theoretical physics or astrophysics

    I am soon to apply for university and I am not quite sure what I want to study. Theoretical physics and astrophysics/astronomy/cosmology all seem like very interesting fields of physics to me. How do I go about when I choose my career path? Which one of the fields has been more prospering than...
  15. Greg Bernhardt

    Astrophysics An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics by Bradley W. Carroll and Dale A. Ostlie

    Author: Bradley W. Carroll (Author), Dale A. Ostlie (Author) Title: An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0805304029/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Contents:
  16. T

    Looking for a Portable Astrophysics Book? Check Out the Nexus 7 32GB!

    Hi - I recently bought an old edition of carroll ostlie real cheap and I'm not too motivated because the book is gigantic and unwieldy. anyone know of a good intro astrophysics book on that level but in a fun-size/portable? :D Thanks
  17. C

    Astrophysics Prerequisites Question

    I'm interested in taking some astrophysics classes in Univeristy, and I am just wondering if I have to take Chemistry in high school to be able to take the classes? Or does it depend on the University you are going to?
  18. T

    Physics What career options are available after an Astrophysics degree

    I'm thinking of doing an astrophysics degree and was wondering what career choices would be available to me after this with just the degree. I would hope to do a masters and so on but that may not work out. I know i could go into research with the college or university but other then that I am...
  19. T

    Physics Astrophysics on par with physics? (perception-wise)

    Hi all, earlier this year I asked about astronomy vs physics, and the general consensus was that, at least in the academic world, astronomy is thought of as fringe in the sense that you won't get hired to a physics post or be able to do physics research, but a physicist could do astronomy...
  20. shounakbhatta

    Explaining the Virial Theorem in Astrophysics

    Hello, I am reading Virial theorem from Wikipedia. It states in astrophysics, virial relations are: 3/5 GM/R=3/2... I want to know how this 3/5 and 3/2 value comes from? If somebody can explain the step by step deduction of the Virial theorem in Astrophysics... Thanks, --...
  21. romsofia

    Courses What should I review over break for this Astrophysics course?

    Description: This course covers stellar astrophysics, solar physics, star formation, stellar evolution, processes in the interstellar medium, galactic dynamics and evolution, formation of galaxies and cosmology. Book: INTRO TO MODERN ASTROPHYSICS- Carrol What should I review over break...
  22. C

    Schools High energy astrophysics schools

    I realize that I want to do high energy astrophysics (thereafter designated as HEAP). I applied at the MSc level at McGill to do just that. (I have alternate schools for different physical subjects: my own undergraduate school for white dwarves/exoplanets, York for dark energy) But, if I...
  23. M

    What math does one need to know prior to learning Astrophysics

    As stated in the title I was wondering what kind of math would be needed to understand astrophysics ...
  24. Gliese123

    Which mathematical formulas are used in the search for extraterrestrial planets?

    Hello there! I'm currently working on an essay regarding astrophysics. The level of this essay is of high school standards but I do like math and physics so advanced calculations doesn't frighten me. :redface: Anyway so the essay's is about the astrophysics behind our search for...
  25. R

    Programs What minor would pair well with an astrophysics major?

    Hi, I was thinking of possibly majoring in astrophysics, but I cannot think of any good minor to accompany an astrophysics major. Does anyone know of a good minor that would supplement a major in astrophysics and be of some use?
  26. P

    MATLAB .Getting Started with MATLAB for Astrophysics Projects

    Hello, This is my first semester as a graduate student in astrophysics. I have a project and I should use MATLAB. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to use the software. Can someone please recommend any tutorials, books, links, ebooks, … Thanks a lot
  27. N

    Astrophysics: radiation pressue&gas pressure

    first sorry for my english. i wrote the problem and equations.the result is: critical mass of a star =2,5x mass of the sun. but i couldn't find the result.pls help me to find the result with this equations.
  28. S

    Programs Applying to Universities for Astrophysics and Particle Physics

    I am a high school student. i am applying to universities for admission next year. I really like physics. I want to study both astrophysics and particle physics. How can i do this? And which universities offer dual degrees/majors in both these fields? I also heard of a new field astroparticle...
  29. M

    Schools Astrophysics and Aerospace Engineering in Graduate School?

    I am just a freshman in college but I am really confused in what to do. I was thinking about doing a double major in physics and mechanical engineering. Would that get me ready for graduate studies in astrophysics and aerospace engineering? Also, I wanted to know, is that a good career? I...
  30. shounakbhatta

    How Are Fluid Solutions Used in Astrophysics and Cosmology?

    I was reading wikipedia and came across the following statement: "In general relativity, a fluid solution is an exact solution of the Einstein field equation in which the gravitational field is produced entirely by the mass, momentum, and stress density of a fluid. In astrophysics, fluid...
  31. A

    Programs Difference between astrophysics and physics undergraduate degree.

    I am in the final year of high school.Many colleges offer astrophysics courses after high school.I am interested in physics in general and would not like to commit myself to an area so early to an area. I am sure about my interest in physics but I don't know which area I would like to go in and...
  32. J

    Schools Schools for Astrophysics/ Astronomy

    Hello, I am a sophomore in high school and am looking to go into physics and ideally astrophysics. I am in honors precalc/trig right now and will be taking AP Calc next year, and probably multivariable calc my senior year. I'm in chemistry this year and physics next year. I will probably...
  33. S

    Physics What should I do? [What are my chances in astrophysics?]

    Hi! I am a freshman in Physics here in Portugal. I have a career in front of me and I don’t want to waste it. I wanted to do my master’s degree in Astrophysics if possible and a PhD in a very good university out of Portugal. With all the respect, could I ask what are the requirements for a...
  34. R

    Physics Do i have to get a physics degree to pursue astrophysics?

    i have a bachelor's degree in math...and after working some years in the music industry, I've decided to pursue another passion of mine, astrophysics...after looking at the GRE physics practice test, i realized i really don't know much about physics in general...and there aren't any good...
  35. S

    Astrophysics and the Private Sector

    I'm currently studying physics and astronomy as a second year student. I really like the subject area, but I'm am unsure of how likely I will be able to find a job within private industry relating to astronomy/astrophysics. I know there are a few jobs out there, but GPS and satellite...
  36. E

    Programs Do I have to know calculus before majoring in Astrophysics?

    Hello everyone, this is my first time posting on the site. I'm 18, live in California, still in high school, and I'm going to graduate come November. I'm going to either a state university, UC Irvine, or a community college and majoring in Astrophysics. The only math I know is algebra and...
  37. D

    What is the easiest way to start college in Physics, Astrophysics, or Astronomy?

    I live in a home where we don't make very much money, but I would really like to go to school for Astrophysics. As of right now I do not know a lot as far as the mathematical processes go, so depending on where I were to get a scholarship or grant it might be rather difficult. What other ways...
  38. L

    Programs Exploring Astrophysics: Preparing for a Masters Degree

    Well, Astrophysics has interested me for quite a few years now and I was wondering where to go next. I'm currently just hitting year 13, studying Physics, Chemistry and Maths. I was just looking at ways to get a masters in Astrophysics, maybe abroad apprenticeships, other ways or even just the...
  39. S

    Engineering Astrophysics or Engineering: Which Path Should I Choose for Grad School?

    Hey, I need some advice. I am thinking about grad school for astrophysics and trying to decide what I should do. The question I am posing is that given the low availability of PhD astro job would it be better just to become an engineer (electrical) and do astronomy/astrophysics on my own if...
  40. A

    What Is the Collision Time for Stars in Andromeda and Milky Way?

    Homework Statement The problem is assume Andromeda and the Milky Way are going to collide. the relative speed of them moving is 10^6m/s. assume each star has the radius of our sun (6.955*10^8m) the distance between each star is 3.1*10^18 m. how long will it take for a star to collide with...
  41. M

    Going into Astrophysics (currently in 12th grade)

    Hello everyone! I'm currently in the 12th grade of H.S. ; starting September (here in Ontario, Canada). This means that in 3 months I'll be deciding what universities to apply for, what to do with my life etc. I've wanted to be an astrophysicist since I was 7. Ever since my teacher gave us a...
  42. J

    I'm 37 years old. Can I still get into astrophysics?

    Question. I'm 37 years old, former US Marine (13 years), I've been living in rural Japan for the past 5 years with my Japanese wife and two sons. I'm currently an English teacher in a Japanese Jr. High. I have taken only a few basic college courses on military installations. I love...
  43. A

    Physics Which is the main difference between Space physics and astrophysics?

    I'm on my senior year still trying to define what career am I going to choose. So I was filling up my applications but some schools don't offer astrophysics(which is the one i wanted to choose), but instead they offered space physics, so i want to know which is the difference between this two...
  44. R

    Schools What to study in college: Astrophysics or Nuclear Physics?

    I'm currently trying to figure out which field of Physics I should study. I have a huge interest in learning Astrophysics and am open to learning about nuclear physics. My current college has a great program for studying Nuclear Physics and numerous internship and research possibilities for...
  45. R

    Physics What jobs are available for Astrophysics majors?

    I was wondering what the job market would be for Astrophysics majors, I found some stuff already but all just saying research, nothing really too specific.
  46. R

    Astrophysics Problem (gravitational lensing)

    Homework Statement I need some help with the following problem: http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/9630/lensq.jpg The Attempt at a Solution First I have tried to work out the radius of the Einstein ring: r_E = \sqrt{\frac{4GM}{c^2}}.\sqrt{\frac{D_1D_{1s}}{D_s}} =...
  47. J

    Programs Advice for degrees in particle physics or astrophysics?

    I'm going to be a freshman in college this year, and I really want to go into astrophysics or particle physics. At this point, I really want to work at the LHC when I get out of school. I know I may change my mind along the way, but could you please give me advice on any specific courses to take...
  48. denjay

    No Astrophysics classes at my school

    I'm still an undergraduate in Physics and decided that Astrophysics is a very interesting possibility to focus on. The bad part is that my school (UIC) does not offer any classes close to Astronomy/Astrophysics other than a 100-level course with the description "Astronomy in the context of the...
  49. M

    Programs Aerospace Engineering PhD to Astrophysics Postdoc

    Hi, I'm from the UK and I'm in my final year of an aerospace engineering PhD which focuses on civil aircraft and engine design. For some time I have felt that engineering is too restrictive in terms of the science available to use; due to it's applied nature and safety restrictions within the...
  50. M

    Aerospace Engineering PhD to Astrophysics Postdoc

    Hi, I'm from the UK and I'm in my final year of an aerospace engineering PhD which focuses on civil aircraft and engine design. For some time I have felt that engineering is too restrictive in terms of the science available to use; due to it's applied nature and safety restrictions within the...
Back
Top