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.

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  1. S

    Do Engineers Earn More Than Astrophysicists?

    Astrophysics; Money matters... ?? Hi, A little intro to help you understand. I'm from India in 12th grade or A-Levels, and was applying to British Uni's for Undergrad studies. I was thinking either B.Sc Physics/Astrophysics (1st Priority) or Engineering preferably Aero Just to get a...
  2. D

    Astrophysics project gone wrong: why isn't the moon tearing the Earth apart?

    I've been looking into meteorite impacts and large meteoroids passing by the Earth, and I started thinking about the physics of all that. And in the course of my playing around with the numbers, I found something that can't possibly be right, but I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Put simply...
  3. M

    Freshman project in astrophysics

    hi, i am a first year student in an under-graduate inst. i have a lot of interest in astronomy and physics and wish to pursue research work in this field. however i have limited tools in terms of knowledge as this is only my first year. So can you suggest me some research project topics that...
  4. Simfish

    Are planetary scientists rare in astrophysics departments?

    I really love planetary sciences, especially the science concerning the moons of the gas giants (although lots of this research is constrained by the availability of space probes). But are planetary scientists rare in astrophysics departments? In my university, almost all of them are in the...
  5. B

    Help with the Road to Astrophysics

    I want to study Astrophysics but want to do so with an engineering background. Could you please suggest a proper engineering degree for that purpose? Also, What is "Engineering Physics" ? and can I study that as my road to Astrophysics?
  6. A

    Schools What are my chances for getting accepted to graduate school in astrophysics

    Okay so my primary interest is to pursue cosmology. My question now is what are my chances of getting excepted on a horrendous PGRE score. I just received my scores and it was HORRIBLE like failing, think single percentage. I don't even know how I did so badly I didn't think I did that badly...
  7. Simfish

    What are the best RSS feeds for the latest astrophysics research?

    I know that you could use ScienceDaily's RSS feed, but ScienceDaily is for the general public and not for working scientists. So for working scientists, which one is best? I can obviously subscribe to the RSS of The Astrophysical Journal. But I'd prefer something that I could quickly read in...
  8. F

    Quantum Astrophysics: Exploring Celestial Bodies at Subatomic Level

    Is there such thing? I mean, there is Astrophysics so would studying celestial bodies at the subatomic level classify as Astrophysics, Quantum Physics or does it have some other division? ( I'm sorry if this question sounds stupid but I'm not in High school xD )
  9. A

    Graduate studies in astrophysics

    Hi, I'm really keen on pursuing higher studies in astrophysics in a US university. But currently in a confused state in selecting a suitable university that does not require GRE physics test to apply. Some say i should write personally to professors of the desired field and if lucky i might...
  10. N

    Schools Top Astrophysics Universities in U.S.

    Does anyone know what the top universities with astrophysics programs are? I was looking over University of Chicago and University of Arizona lately, but which one would you consider to have a better program?
  11. T

    Schools Good Graduate Schools in Physics (Astrophysics, HighEnergy) in Rural Areas

    Hi all, Due to medical reason, I have problem with noises, and I am graduating from M.Sc soon, I am looking for PhD program in US, Canada, Europe (Australia?) Can you please suggest which good school which is situated at rather rural area, yet strong in physics. My research interest is...
  12. K

    Physics Question Concerning Experimental Particle Astrophysics.

    I am a third year graduate student in physics. I came here wanting to do Theoretical studies of dark matter. But there really isn't much money in that. Plus the fact that only first year TA's get jobs in the summer hurts alot. I heard the job outlook for Theoretical Physicist isn't that great...
  13. E

    High School Student Seeking Path to Astrophysics Career

    Hi guys, I am an high school student from italy and I am a junior. I am looking for my path carrer, which is very difficult to find. I would like to be an astrophysicist, but on the other hand I am really interested in theoretical physics. I wonder which the difference between an astrophysics...
  14. P

    Questions dealing with astrophysics

    Apologies if this is in the wrong forum. I was just wondering if there was anyone in the field here that would have some extra time in answering a couple of strange questions dealing with astrophysics, biology, nuclear physics and some other things I'm not sure what to label. It's for fiction...
  15. H

    Programs Masters in astronomy or astrophysics with a mechanical bachelor's degree?

    it is possible to do a masters degree in us in astronomy or astrophysics with a mechanical undergrad? Profile mechanical engineer with 60% aggregate and 10 backlogs// gre general test(440+790+3.5)// toefl 85+(exp) right from my childhood i was interested in space sciences and space programs...
  16. R

    Can a B.Tech student pursue a master's in astrophysics at IIA?

    Hi all, I would like to pursue my master degree in astrophysics. I had completed my B.Tech in computer science from M.G university Kottayam,Kerala. Can I study astrophysics from IIA (Indian Institute of Astrophysics). I am planning to do physics paper in JEST (Joint Entrance Screening Test). I...
  17. J

    Maths needed for a plasma physics and astrophysics module

    Hi, i'm studying a MEng Electrical and Mechanical engineering course in the UK. I've just started second year and have been approved by my advisor to take on an extra module next semester in plasma and astro physics. This module is intended for 4th year physics students and won't count...
  18. H

    Physics Topics for Astrophysics?

    I've done some searching on this forum and elsewhere and from what I can tell, the book Introduction to Modern Astrophysics by Carroll and Ostlie is an excellent place to begin learning about the subject. I believe the introduction to the book states that anyone with a calculus based first-year...
  19. P

    Physics Is a Career in Astrophysics and Cosmology Still Risky in 2010?

    Hello Its 2010 now and I am not really up to date with careers. Is it still an extremely risky to go into astrophysics and/or cosmology? Can you guys tell me how things are going for scientists of all branches if you know? Thanks
  20. L

    Astrophysics: question about nearly resonant orbits

    astrophyscs: question about nearly resonant orbits Homework Statement are any planets in low-integer resonant or nearly resonant (within two or three percent) orbits Homework Equations p2/p1 The Attempt at a Solution ok suppose to find for the planets of 55cancri so like 55cancri b...
  21. B

    Can I Pursue an Astrophysics Masters/PhD in the USA with a Mathematics Degree?

    I am an undergraduate student of University of Colombo,Sri Lanka.My degree is a mathematics major degree consisting 120 credits at four years of academic years.I have a great enthusiasm in Astronomy/Astrophysics.But I have not studied Physics for my degree.Can I go for a Astrophysics Masters/PhD...
  22. A

    What are the Current Main Research Topics in Astrophysics?

    Hi , what are the main astrophysical research topics these days , binary pulsars , black holes ? do you have any propositions ?? :)
  23. F

    Programs Theoretical Astrophysics, Should i Double major in math and physics?

    Hi. I am currently a senior in highs chool and have already been accepted to a college [UMKC]. I was wondering if it would be beneficial for me to double major in Physics and Math. I am planning on going to grad school and getting a Ph.D in Astrophysics or theoretical physics. Would double...
  24. J

    Physics Job Prospects for Astrophysics Career

    I am currently a freshmen who is planning on getting a graduate degree in Physics, but specializing in Astrophysics. Since I am not going into this field for the money, I do not care if you are brutally honest with me ha ha. I was wondering if someone within this field has a percentage of...
  25. A

    New to astrophysics, don't have a good physics foundation, need some help

    Hi everyone, So I have always been interested in space, and when my college offered an intro to astrophysics course with no prerequisites, I jumped at the opportunity. I had already had a lower level astronomy/physics course, and physics and astronomy in high school, so I thought I'd be...
  26. H

    Programs Astrophysics PhD with a 2.1 BSc?

    Hi, I have a 2.1 in BSc Astronomy and Philosophy and would like to do a PhD in Astrophysics. I am from the UK and my main concern is that the course would be fully funded. Does anyone know if I would be likely to get in/receive funding with only a 2.1 BSc, and if so, where would you recommend I...
  27. H

    Astrophysics - star color index

    Homework Statement If a star emits the same intensity of radiation at all visible wavelengths, what will be its apparent color at the Earth’s surface? Homework Equations No equations... The Attempt at a Solution I realize that a horizontal line would occur through the visible...
  28. S

    Astrophysics - Special Relativity

    Homework Statement 2) If a relativistic rocket has a proper acceleration alpha that increases with proper time tau according to: alpha(tau) = 2/[Cosine(tau)^2 - Sine(tau)^2] find its motion, r(t), from the point of view of a control tower for whom the rocket is motionless at...
  29. T

    Astrophysics - triple alpha reaction

    Homework Statement Helium is burnt via the triple alpha reaction: 3He4 -> C12 at a rate of \lambda3α(He4)3, where He4 denotes the number abundance of He4. Write the differential equation for He4 as a function of time. The Attempt at a Solution d(He4)/dt = production - destruction...
  30. E

    Programs A graduate degree in Astrophysics after Informatics Engineering?

    the idea is how hard would that be for me to continue a graduate degree in Astrophysics after having an undergraduate degree in Informatics Engineering? I know the best would be to have an undergraduate degree in Physics/Astronomy. but that's the situation
  31. M

    IB Extended Essay Astrophysics Help

    Hello, I'm not sure if this is the right section for this. I am going to be writing an extended essay in physics for the International Baccalaureate and am in the process of trying to decide upon a topic. In an earlier post I was wandering about quantum theory general relativity and string...
  32. S

    Good northeastern astronomy astrophysics programs

    Hi, the name really says it all, I've been looking for good colleges that focus on astronomy and astrophysics, either or. The problem is that the college search sites really are not good at deciding between a college with astronomy, and a GOOD college with astronomy, one that has research, good...
  33. P

    Hi,please anybody tell any reference book for astrophysics.

    hi, please anybody tell any reference book for astrophysics. i am interested to study celestial body and black hole. where it is available ?
  34. D

    Recommend a book for a beginner (astrophysics)

    Hello! I'm going to study astrophysics next year, we will study the most of basic stuff on the way (calculus etc as well). I have some basic knowledge of physics and astronomy, but totally forgot basic mathematics since I didn't pay enough attention in school (which I regret now). So what...
  35. S

    Schools Top Colleges for Theoretical Astrophysics

    Does anyone know the best colleges for theortical astrophysics Thank YOU
  36. K

    Astrophysics - elliptical orbit proof help.

    A.) Assume a rectangular coord system has its origin at the center of an elliptical planetary orbit and that the coord system x-axis lies along the major axis of the ellipse. Show that the equation for the ellipse is given by x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 =1. where a and b are the lengths if the...
  37. H

    Masters in Astrophysics: Best Schools & Books to Read

    Hello, My name's Konrad (don't let the username fool you! haha). I'm currently a junior in Aeronautical Engineering (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University) with a minor in Air Traffic Management. I was planning on just ending school with a Bachelors and going right out to work. However, I've...
  38. T

    Astrophysics - tricky unit conversions?

    Homework Statement I've got a radius of 22.69kpc, and a velocity of 180km/s. I wish to find the angular rotation speed in units of arcsec/year. I'm stuck at the moment The Attempt at a Solution Starting with the basic v=r\omega, I transpose to get \omega=v/r. For now, I'm going...
  39. D

    Astrophysics from a Boobie or a black climate control.

    "The mathematics, is a unique perfect method to fool oneself" Albert Einstein You can object that in this phrase there is nothing new, practically all know that Albert Einstein was not a big fan of mathematics, evil tongues even said that the mathematical apparatus for the special theory...
  40. 4

    Self-Teaching astrophysics, Need help on sub-specialty

    Hello Everybody, It's been a very long time since i posted on here last but hopefully this is the start of a long-term involvement on this site. I'm trying to self-teach myself Astrophysics and so far I have gone through all the courses on th MIT OCW website that are "required subjects" for a...
  41. A

    Physics Ms in astrophysics after btech in comp sc

    guys to start with, i don't know why i took comp engg for my btech... coz i was never really interested... i was always into astronomy n astrophysics... i wish to pursue this interest of mine n therefore want to do an ms in astrophysics... is it a good decision... i want to work as well after...
  42. R

    What Are the Potential Applications of Graph Theory in Astrophysics?

    Hi all, This is my first post to this forum, so allow me to introduce myself. I am a 28 year old person who is about to start a Phd in Machine learning with focus on graph theory. Now from my preliminary research, it seems that theory developed has a lot of use in computational biology...
  43. H

    Most relevant math subjects for Astrophysics

    Hi all, I have a B.Sc. and M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering and I decided to switch to Astrophysics for my Ph.D. (for no reason other than following my passion). I still have a year or so before beginning the Ph.D program and I am willing to use this period to do some self study in Math to...
  44. J

    Astrophysics: orbital dynamics - duration of a transit of Venus

    Edit: perhaps this might belong in one of the Physics help forums? Oops. Mods, please move if so! Homework Statement Show that a transit of Venus across the Sun’s disk lasts at most about 8 hours. The synodic period of Venus is 584 days and its orbital radius is 0.723 A.U. The Sun’s angular...
  45. S

    Aerospace or Astrophysics: Which Undergraduate Degree Should You Pursue?

    Aerospace? Or Astrophysics?! Hey people, I'm really confused as to what I should pursue for my undergraduate course in 2012 - Aerospace Engineering or Astrophysics? Both appeal and interest me equally, but considering the scope, difficulty of studying, job opportunities, pay, etc. after the...
  46. I

    Physics Computer science in Astrophysics?

    Computer science in Astrophysics?? HI, I'm thinking of majoring in computer science specializing in software engineering, along with a major in astrophysics. My main focus is something in astrophysics (not sure yet), so I was wondering how important would it be get a Masters or PhD considering...
  47. P

    Durham vs Manchester in Astrophysics (Cosmology) - Postgraduate

    Hi all. I have been applying for graduate (research) studies in Astrophysics (I am interested in cosmology - CMB, SNIa, models...) at some UK universities - Imperial College, Durham, Glasgow, Manchester. All of them have research groups in the field of cosmology. So far I have received an...
  48. A

    Programs PhD in Astrophysics in Europe: Where to Study and Research Opportunities

    Hello, Does anyone know of some good programs in Europe for a PhD in Astrophysics? I know England has some great school, however I believe they are rather competitive. What about France? Are there some well know Astrophysics programs there that I could look into? I've tried doing some...
  49. T

    Programs What maths for Astrophysics Major?

    I'm currently in my second year and I plan on completing a major in Astrophysics and math. I've just completed Vector calculus and next semester I'll be taking differential calculus. Next year I'll be taking computational mathematics, fluid dynamics and PDEs. Are there any additional maths...
  50. Simfish

    What's the male/female ratio in astrophysics?

    It seems like there are more females in astrophysics than in physics. But how does the ratio play out in grad school? Is it different in tier 1 schools than it is in tier 2 or 3 schools? Are there more females in certain fields, like astrobiology? Why are fields like astrophysics "friendlier" to...
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