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. T

    Programs PhD in observational astrophysics

    I have got an offer to do PhD in observational astrophysics.Now I have not studied astrophysics before so as far as I can make out a Phd in that consist of following four parts: theory, observation, computation and instrumentation. I want to know what fraction of time one has to spend in each of...
  2. Q

    Physics Astrophysics or Particle physics?

    I'm very fascinated on both things. I want to study Black Holes, Dark Matter and Dark Energy. Stuff like that in the big world of Astrophysics, but I'm also very attracted to particle physics with the ways forces works on atomic scale, and how elementary particles work. I really have a hard time...
  3. J

    Physics Is it too late to begin pursuing a degree in astrophysics at 26?

    In a nutshell, I'm a 26 y/o currently active duty military member with 8 years in (as a Aviation Ordnance Aircraft Mechanic), and plan on getting out honorably late next year. I've always been interested in the universe (black holes especially) (and the fact we are literally a way for the...
  4. Q

    Engineering Career stability in astrophysics and aerospace engineering

    I have heard much about how careers in aerospace engineering and astrophysics can be hard to find, one has to move around a lot, and the salary is not great. As far as money goes I don't care too much, but I'd like to make at least 75k a year, but I don't want to have to move around more than 2...
  5. A

    I want to go for a Msc in Astrophysics but dont have the sufficient skills

    Hello everyone. I have a challenge that has been bothering me and i would welcome any advice i can get right now. I have a BSc in Industrial Physics with applied Geophysics option. The problem is i don't know have a full knowledge of university physics and mathematics...am not even sure of my...
  6. B

    Astrophysics into Aerospace Engineering?

    Hello everyone! I'm here to discuss my decision on becoming an aerospace engineer. However there aren't that many universities that provide this program. I was accepted to three universities that taught this program, but they cost a fortune. So i had to chose a university that didn't have this...
  7. wolfspirit

    The dereference between; astrophysics, astronomy, cosmology and space science

    hi i am looking at uni courses and i a a bit confused between the differences between; astrophysics, astronomy, cosmology and space science in terms of what is covered in each . Can anyone help please. Ryan
  8. S

    Any way to study astrophysics after +2?

    any way to study astrophysics after +2? I am doing my +2 in coimbatore <tamil nadu>. i am being suggested by my parents to do b.tech/b.e in Mechanical or equivalent but i have a die hard interest in space science. i need guidance...BADLY ... Pls tell me is there a ug course in space...
  9. B

    Schools Advice on Switching from Biology to Astrophysics Graduate School

    Hello, this is my first time to post to ask for some advice. I will try to describe as neat as possible, so that I can some good info or advice. I graduated 2 years ago with bachelor of science in biology as major and applied physics as minor. Now I'm hoping to get into graduate school in...
  10. D

    Astrophysics or Geophysics as grad work?

    First of all just joined and wanted to say hello. I am starting at a 4 year in the Fall after some work at a community college. I am looking on advice on which path i should take for my grad work. Right now the goal is studying, then hoping to find a career, studying gravity and magnetic...
  11. B

    Schools What do astrophysics grad schools look for?

    Do they only look at gpa and transcripts? Would there be anything else they look at?
  12. R

    Schools What Educational Path Should I Follow to Become an Astrophysicist in the UK?

    Hello, i live in the UK and am wondering what courses i have to take at university to become and astrophysicist. I realize that its advisable to do a PhD/Doctorate at some point but do i have to do a full bachelors and masters degree individually or can i just do a masters?
  13. K

    Schools How to contact universities/research scholars for an apprenticeship in astrophysics?

    Hi, My name is Rupak Karnik. I am currently a third year student in electronics engineering in Mumbai, India. I have a very keen interest in astrophysics and space sciences and I plan to pursue a career in the same. I have a mid-semester break during the months of June and July for 6 weeks...
  14. M

    Astrophysics Photometry Exercise Coursework

    hi guys I'm a 2nd year undergrad doing astrophysics, and I was set this piece of coursework a couple of weeks ago, and it's due in a few weeks, so I'm getting started. Problem is, I don't know where to go with it. We've basically been given a load of data of measured fluxes in the U, B and V...
  15. C

    Are there any fields of astrophysics with no general relativity?

    Is there any research in astrophysics today that does not involve general relativity?
  16. K

    Programs Starting Astrophysics degree this year. Advice.

    Hi everyone, I've recently accepted an offer to study astrophysics at Hertfordshire starting this September, obviously I'm excited, but after working for a few years in I.T then going back to college this year and starting university next year when I'll be nearly 22, I'm also in need of advice...
  17. X

    Astrophysics: Magnitude of sun when Jupiter crosses over it.

    Homework Statement An observer 5pc away observes the sun in the plane of Jupiter orbit. He cannot resolve either object but he notices a slight dimming of the star when Jupiter passes across the sun in his vision. Find the magnitude of the sun with and without Jupiter in front of it...
  18. B

    Astrophysics: pressure in a supernova as in explodes

    Homework Statement In its early phase, the supernova is an explosion within the star’s own envelope; about half the energy is thermal and half is kinetic. Estimate the ratio of radiation pressure to gas pressure in the star at the moment the shock reaches the surface. (Not in the pre-explosion...
  19. C

    Where can I find reliable sources for online astrophysics lessons?

    Online Astrophysics lessons?? After I google searched for some free online astrophysics lessons, I found none, If anyone here knows a website with lessons for this, please tell me.
  20. A

    What are the differences between Astrophysics and Astronomy?

    Hello, i am deciding between a career in astronomy or astrophysics and need help. I wish to know the differences in the two careers. What do each study? what is the pay difference in Canada? Where do each work and what do they work on?
  21. L

    Schools How good is edinburgh university astrophysics department?

    hi guys, i have completed my Masters in physics from India.i have applied for phd in edinburgh university for cosmology?how good is it when compared to their european counterparts?
  22. D

    Choosing a University for an AA in Physics & Astrophysics

    I am currently working on my AA in physics at a state college, with intentions to transfer to a university to get my bachelors and then hopefully masters and so on. I'm not sure if I should attend The University of Florida or Florida State University. Maybe there is another university I should...
  23. X

    Astrophysics: Finding flux of a star given magnitude

    Homework Statement The faintest stars a naked eye can see under the ideal conditions are of m = 6 magnitude. Diameter of a maximally dilated pupil is d = 9mm. Calculate the magnitude of the faintest star a person can see if observing through binoculars (d = 5cm), a large backyard...
  24. D

    Math/science sequence up to Astrophysics?

    Hi, I'm new to PhysicsForums. I am a sophomore in high school and currently in Geometry/Honors Chemistry. I am fascinated with astrophysics, and I really want to learn everything about it. I will be teaching all of this to myself, so I'd just like the sequence. I think it goes like this...
  25. J

    Astrophysics: finding the azimuth the moment sun rises

    Homework Statement Suppose you seen the Sun rise on the day of the summer solstice from latitude 43.5. What is its azimuth at the moment when it rises? (Note that to specify an azimuth, you can describe it as being so many degrees in a particular direction starting from a reference point...
  26. I

    Physics or Physics with Astrophysics?

    In a physics degree there is the option of choosing an astronomy module, which I would choose, and having done this it means in the final year there is the option of choosing an astrophysics module or alternatively another physics module. Either of which would be of interest to me. If I...
  27. T

    Physics BSc Astrophysics: Need Career Guidance?

    Hey guys I am in need of some career guidance. Iv'e been doing a lot of research on different schools lately and what I want to take for a B.Sc. I can't decide on weather to take Physics or astrophysics. Everyone is telling me to take Physics because astronomy is dumbed down at this level, and...
  28. M

    Compare Carroll & Ostlie's Astrophysics Texts: Any Suggestions?

    Hey everyone, I'm just wondering what the main difference is between Carroll and Ostlie's "An Intro to Modern Astrophysics" and "An Intro to Modern Stellar Astrophysics". I already have the former and have gone through a significant part of it. Does the latter contain any new information, or is...
  29. C

    Looking into Physics / Astrophysics is it to late?

    re-posted this, I accidentally put this in the wrong location first time. So just posting it where it should have been the first time. I know the common saying is "its never to late to ..."etc. But I'm 21 almost 22 about to medically retire from the military. I've been struggling since I was...
  30. B

    Schools Astronomy and Astrophysics at University of Toronto; Admission requirements?

    I am interested in the Astronomy and Astrophysics program at the University of Toronto. How well does one need to do in high-school to get into the program? What are the required courses and what marks would be advantageous? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
  31. Q

    Programs Need advice for working towards Astrophysics degree

    I am currently in the military, so most of the time a traditional classroom setting is not appropriate for me. I was wondering if any of you have any recommendations on an online college (or a college that offers distance learning) that I can start an A.S. in Physics, thus putting me closer to a...
  32. F

    Astrophysics: Passion or Practicality?

    Hello everyone, The more I think about my future career path, the more I think I will end up in Astrophysics. I've had a great 'passion' for the subject since I was a kid, but I would like to do something that will make a difference to the world (positive, that is), and I cannot see how...
  33. C

    Programs Possible to Double Major in Aerspace Eng. and Astrophysics?

    I'm a 2nd year college student currently studying Aerospace Engineering. I love Engineering but I'm slightly more passionate about Astrophysics and Astronomy related stuff. Is it possible to double major in Aerospace Engineering and Astrophysics? I assume both majors share a lot of the same courses.
  34. phyzguy

    Physics What Are the Job Prospects for Astrophysics Majors?

    People are often asking about the job prospects in astrophysics. I thought this survey was interesting. Note the #2 entry - unemployment rate for astronomy and astrophysics majors - 0 %. http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/10-college-majors-lowest-unemployment-rates-163049193.html
  35. A

    Physics What are the details on Astrophysics?

    Hey Reader! :) I'm a High School Student currently in my 11th year of education and I've been seriously thinking about what I would like to go into, and I love doing physics and mathematics. They are the subjects I most enjoy. I would really like to consider going into Astrophysics (I...
  36. S

    Astrophysics: Better than aerospace?

    I made a thread a month or two ago when I was questioning my current major. I am currently an aerospace engineer with plans to get a minor in physics/astrophysics. I started questioning my decision and wanted to lean toward switching to Astrophysics as my major, and possibly get aerospace engi...
  37. C

    Are there any astrophysics quizzes available online?

    I have been looking online for somewhere that has an in depth quiz/test on astrophysics. Maybe with different skill levels as well! I really fancy testing my knowledge before I start any serious astrophysics education this year. Thank you in advance
  38. D

    What are some applications of lasers in astrophysics research?

    I am doing a research paper in my Laser physics course, and I want to relate lasers to astrophysics. Does anyone have any initial ideas to build off of? I did some research, but the only thing I can come up with are green laser pointers and lasers to help align telescopes. While I find that...
  39. A

    Need a good textbook for astrophysics

    i have 4 blocks of Astronomy and astrophysics in my course. Each block has 4 units ,so a total of 16 units/chapters.I am through with the first block and came across observational astronomy,types of telescopes,absolute/apparent modulus,virial theorem..A good reference textbook is what i need...
  40. S

    Astrophysics - Which Programming Language

    I've done a very small amount of C++, but I don't want to spend the time I have to prepare on learning a language when it would have been more preferable to learn another (even though it seems you may use several language, and learning one helps to learn another.) But are there any language...
  41. L

    Schools Top Astrophysics Universities on the West Coast: A Family-Friendly Guide

    I am a physics and math undergrad student in Kentucky and I am trying to find the right University to attend when I get my Masters and PhD. I hope to receive my degrees in astrophysics. My research has not turned much up in the way of reputable astronomy and physics schools. I want to find...
  42. I

    Programs Choosing PhD Group + more (Astrophysics, UK)

    Hi everyone, I am thinking of applying for a PhD in Astrophysics to start in October 2012, at the moment I'm still researching different Unis both here and abroad but in doing my research I've seen that for your long term career prospects it doesn't matter so much what Uni you go to, but more...
  43. C

    Differences between Physics and Astrophysics and between MSci and MA

    I am a high school student in Scotland and I wish to pursue a career in Physics. The next step for me in this is selecting the correct University course. I have found three courses that interest me: Physics/Theoretical Physics (MSci); Physics with Astrophysics (MSci); Physics/Slavonic Studies...
  44. L

    Hi all,I am reading a paper related to astrophysics and I am stuck

    Hi all, I am reading a paper related to astrophysics and I am stuck in a step in a calculation. It is about orbiting gas in a spiral galaxy and it calculates the errors in the fitted rotation velocity if one of the viewing angles is incorrectly estimated. My problem is that I don't understand...
  45. G

    Programs MSc/PhD Astrophysics after BSc Maths and Economics?

    Due to my marks in high school i could not get admssion in any regular(full-time) BSc physics/astrophysics programme. I looked for a distance learning programme but cudn't find one except uCLan's BSc astronomy hons, which they say will take a minimum on 5 years to complete. They won't let u...
  46. C

    Continue with Aerospace Engineering or switch to Astrophysics?

    I'm a second year Aerospace Engineering student and I'm wondering if this is the best career path for me to take. Since a young kid I've always been fascinated by the universe and everything related to it. I want a career that will let me progress our knowledge of space forward whether it's via...
  47. A

    What Makes an Effective Astrophysics Blog?

    Hi...I started writing blogs related to Astronomy and Astrophysics 1 year back. But for this 1 year, I could hardly find 1 or 2 members' replies in my blog. Is it that my blogs are dis interesting or matter of any other thing? Please let me know what type of blogs would impress people and then...
  48. S

    Should I switch from aerospace engineering to astrophysics?

    My current issue is that I am starting to believe I made a slightly wrong choice in my degree. But then again, it's hard to say. I love everything about space and so getting a degree in it has been my dream. I really want to be one of the people that help move our society toward space travel. I...
  49. S

    Aerospace Engineering vs. Astrophysics: Which Path Best Advances Space Travel?

    My current issue is that I am starting to believe I made a slightly wrong choice in my degree. But then again, it's hard to say. I love everything about space and so getting a degree in it has been my dream. I really want to be one of the people that help move our society toward space travel. I...
  50. R

    Preparing for a Career in Astrophysics: Advice for Young Scientists

    Hi. I'm 15 years old (grade 10) and I live in Vancouver, BC. Within the past 6 months or so, I have developed an extremely big interest in cosmology and sciences like that. It would definitely be my top choice as far as careers go, and I wouldn't be too worried about the money I was making, as...
Back
Top