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. J

    Elementary astrophysics - monochromatic flux?

    hi, I am having trouble deriving an expression for converting between monochromatic flux expressed in wavelength and in frequency units. i think that the monochromatic flux of a star is found by F(Δf) = ΔE / ΔtΔfΔA F(Δλ) = ΔE / ΔtΔλΔA where E = energy, t = time, Δf = frequency bandwidth, A =...
  2. D

    What is the difference between cosmology and astrophysics

    hi. this is probably in the wrong place, but what is the difference between cosmology and astrophysics... i only ask because i wanted to be an astrophysisist, but before i make up my mind for sure i just want to know what cosmology is... thankyou dan
  3. S

    Physics Astrophysics Careers for 1st Year Students

    Hi I am new to the forums and I am currently a 1st year student, and I am planning on majoring in astrophysics. I wasn't sure whether to put this here, or in career guidance, but anyway. I was just wondering what kind jobs are available for a major in astrophysics and if it is is almost...
  4. M

    Engineers in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics

    I have had a love for astronomy when I was a child. Today, I am well on my way toward becoming an engineer (Mech). I would like to find out how much of a common thing is it for engineers to go work for astronomical societies/research institutes/ observatories doing any kind of engineering...
  5. G

    Study Physics or Astrophysics at Edinburgh University | Join Us Next Year!

    Anyone studying either physics or Astrophysics next year at Edinburgh university?
  6. S

    Studying Scope of studying in astrophysics after completing b.tech in civil engineering

    hi! i'm a 2nd yr civil engineering student. after completing my b.tech in this field is there any scope for me to make my career in space_technology or to study in astrophysics? is there any entrance exam? please... inform me.
  7. C

    Can you help me have a general view on cosmology and astrophysics?

    Our college has just established a new department: laboratory of high energy physics and cosmology. And it is the first in our country. We are first students,too. Can you help me have a general view on cosmology and astrophysics? We only know little about some constellations and solar...
  8. B

    How Can We Study Exoplanets Using the Doppler Effect?

    Several friends and I have a great yet unexplored interest in Astrophysics, and interesting Math not taught in the typical high school course. We have decided on forming a discussion based "club" (we will read/do research in between discussions) to help us learn more deeply and efficiently. I am...
  9. T

    High school sophomore interested in Astrophysics

    Hi, uhh, well I don't exactly know how to start here. I am a sophomore in high school and I am really interested in astronomy and physics, so obviously this was the first place for me to look. The thing is though, I don't know that much about neither astronomy or physics (due to my counselor not...
  10. A

    Programs 2 Masters before PhD - Astrophysics related

    Hi Everyone. I thought I'd pose this question here since I've gotten much conflicting advice about this from pretty much everywhere. My goal is to get a PhD in astrophysics. I am interested in both theoretical and observational cosmology. My undergrad degree is in physics. The reason why I...
  11. S

    How Much difference b2in theoritical and experimental astrophysics?

    Can you tell me How Much is the difference between theoritical and experimental astrophysics?
  12. S

    Physics Is AstroPhysics risky for career?

    I deadly like to read and think the topics of astrophysics.I am an undgrad student of physics major. Is it really hard to make good career in astrophysics? are not jobs too much available ?
  13. S

    Is Anyone Else Just Starting Astrophysics in College?

    I'm sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong section, I'm new here, I'm Aimee and I'm 16...Well, geez...:redface: I feel so...young and uninformed. lol I'm just in High School and I am in an Astrophysics class and I'm going to take Physics next year and study Astronomy and Physics in College, but...
  14. E

    Has Anyone Used a FITS Library for Extracting Galaxy Coordinates in C++?

    hie all, i'm a student and I'm working on a software using FITS file. I need coordinates of galaxies which are stocked in those FITS file. For that i have to use a c++ library then i'll b e able to extract them. i would like to know if somebody has ever code a c++ program using a FITS...
  15. S

    Need help with astrophysics terminology

    Hi all. This is going to sound a bit odd, but I'm actually coming over from a piano forum of all places XP Me and a couple of friends are trying to solve some analogies off a very high-ceiling IQ test (the Titan Test) for fun and a question has arisen that none of us will ever be able to...
  16. R

    Search for Astrophysics Objects in Comprehensive Database

    Hi, i'm searching for a big database where i can find informations about astrophysics objects (stars, galaxies, etc.); the informations i need are mass, position, etc. (and if i can, references to the papers on that object). Does a so big database exist? Thanks
  17. A

    Astronomy & Astrophysics 210 - and misc questions

    Hello there, I was searching the net to find some empirical formulas on how to estimate the loss in temperature (and increase in luminosity of a star as it ends the main sequence. I've found that some of these formulas could be located in a book called "Astronomy & Astrophysics 210" by Maeder...
  18. I

    Do I Need to Take Calculus to Pursue a Career in Astrophysics?

    Hi there, I am currentley in grade 10 and am having trouble getting into the highest maths which is geometry and trigonometry which in partnership with introductory calculus goes into Calculus in year 12. I have gotten into introductory calculus but I am quite positive that ill need calculus...
  19. N

    Schools Study engineering or astrophysics at university?

    Hi, I've just graduated from school and getting ready for university. I really love computers and astronomy-astrophysics. I've decided to follow a career as an a electrical and computer engineer and not physics. I've chose this mainly because I will find a job easier than going to physics (at...
  20. S

    What are Some Important Effects or Phenomena in Astrophysics?

    hi friends can you help me in collecting systematically some important phenomenon or 'effects' in astronomy and astrophysics like rossiter effect, yarkovsky effect.:cool: even recently discovered phenomenon and related explanations are welcome.:approve:
  21. R

    How Can a Beginner Start Learning Astrophysics and What Math is Required?

    I have no clue if this has been done before, even though I Searched... But I'm 17 and want to learn about Astrophysics, it is one of the things that really appeals to me. I tried to take Physics in school but my teacher was terrible and wouldn't even answer my questions. Do any of you...
  22. murshid_islam

    Exploring Astronomy, Astrophysics & Cosmology: Unpacking Alan Guth's Quote

    i have 2 questions: 1. what is the difference between astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology? 2. what did Alan Guth mean when he said, "The universe is the ultimate free lunch"?
  23. K

    How Far Can We Measure Star Distances Using Parallax with a 0.5 Arcsecond FWHM?

    1) From the ground of the Earth, atmospheric turbulence limits the typical best image to a full-wide-at-half-maximum (FWHM) of ~0.5 arcsceond (this is an angle). Suppose we can determine positional accuracy of stars to ~1/10 of the FWHM, to how far in light years can we use the parallax method...
  24. J

    Exploring the Intersection of Quantum Mechanics & Astrophysics

    Ok, so I need a topic to present. I am taking Quantum mechanics, introduction to astrophysics, and a seminar class... I need a topic for a 30-40 minute presentation for each class, and was wondering if there are any interesting topics that tie QM and astro together... thus, one presentation...
  25. J

    Exploring the Intersection of Quantum Mechanics & Astrophysics

    Ok, so I need a topic to present. I am taking Quantum mechanics, introduction to astrophysics, and a seminar class... I need a topic for a 30-40 minute presentation for each class, and was wondering if there are any interesting topics that tie QM and astro together... thus, one presentation...
  26. F

    Astrophysics Starter Guide | Find the Best Textbooks

    hey all, Has anyone got any suggestions for a good astrophysics starter text. Not to keen for a pop science book, more of a qualitative book. Regards
  27. T

    What Are the Current Unsolved Mysteries in Astrophysics?

    What kind of unsolved problems are there in astrophysics right now?
  28. P

    Explore the Universe with an Astrophysics Simulator - Download Now!

    Hello, I need an astrophysics simulator. I've googled and yahooed but couldn't find any. If you kno where I could download one please let me know. Thanks for your time.
  29. M

    Exploring Least-Researched Topics in Observational Astrophysics

    Which are some of the most nascent and/or least researched subjetcs in observational astrophysics?? how about Quasars and Pulsars?? So far i know it needs top quality instrumentation to get info about them...can anyone tell me about the "hot topics" in astrophysics in the near future. Dark...
  30. M

    Is getting into an astrophysics program easier?

    On my apps I've been concentrating mostly on condensed matter or high energy physics, but I also love astrophysics and want to apply to one school to have the option open. However, I've heard that it's easier to get in (as in, scores are often lower for applicants). Is this true or not? I want...
  31. B

    Where should I begin with Astrophysics?

    Hello, I've taken a look around these forums, but I haven't seen such questions. I'm interested in Astrophysics (I'm even applying to University of Cambridge for this course), but I'm a very beginner in it. The question is: what should I start with? Yes, of course maths - that's not a...
  32. Q

    What are Some Other Fellowships Available for a PhD in Astrophysics?

    I'm familiar with the NSF fellowship, but I was wondering if there are any others I should be looking into to support a PhD in Astrophysics. Any suggestions?
  33. S

    Programs Double major in physics and astrophysics help

    I plan on a double major in physics and astrophysics, possible a math minor mor major too. I have looked at school websites for the books they use and have had no luck. Is thre anywhere online i can find what books a school uses for what class? If not what are some good astrophysics books that i...
  34. Q

    Which Are the Top Astrophysics Programs for Graduate Students?

    I was wondering if someone could give me a top ten of astrophysics programs (or less, if you are not familiar with 10). Here's my current list, in no particular order, based on my limited research: 1. UCB 2. UCSB 3. Cal Tech 4. University of Chicago 5. University of Arizona 6. UCSC 7...
  35. P

    Astrophysics after Aerospace Engineering

    Firstly, what is astrophysics exactly? Is it the same as astronomy? Also, can I study astrophysics after studying aerospace engineering? If so, is it worthwhile? or I just get simply two kinds of degrees?
  36. B

    What is the Physical Nature of Nucleosynthesis in Astrophysics?

    In no more than half a page for each process, summarise the physical nature of each known nucleosythetic process and the environment in which each process takes place. (s, r and p processes) I was just wondering what would you say is meant by the "physical nature"?? I've explained the...
  37. Astronuc

    ASCL.net - Astrophysics Source Code Library

    http://ascl.net/
  38. L

    Astrophysics distribution question

    "A star, with mass 5.40*10^30 kg, revolves about the center of the Milky Way galaxy, which is 3.93*10^20 m away, once every 3.41*10^8 years. Assuming that each of the stars in the galaxy has a mass equal to that of our star, that the stars are distributed uniformly in a sphere about the galactic...
  39. Astronuc

    Job Opportunities in Astrophysics at NASA/Goddard

    OK PhD's, check this out! http://universe.gsfc.nasa.gov/ - Exploration of the Universe Division :-p http://universe.gsfc.nasa.gov/jobs/ - :-p Go for it! This probably belongs under Academic and Career Guidance, but it seems more appropriate here.
  40. A

    Lines of study (Astrophysics, Comp Engineering)

    Hi all, I just found out that the college I will be attending this Fall is no longer offering the program that I wanted to do (Computer Information Systems) as undergrad. It got me thinking about what I really want to do. So I moved to America from the UK almost a year ago. Instead of...
  41. O

    Math for Astrophysics & Quantum Physics: A Beginner's Guide

    math is must commonly used in astrophysics and quantum physics? This might be a stupid question. Not sure
  42. W

    Astrophysics Questions: Calculating Distances, Intensities, and Magnitudes

    guys please help me with these questions, we had to do the astrophysics course over the holidays by ourselves and I haven't quite understood these sections 1. How far from the Earth is 61 Cygnus (a) in parsecs (b) in light years if it’s annual parallax is 0.29 arc seconds. 2...
  43. J

    How Does Energy Generation in a Star Depend on Radial Distance?

    The energy generation rate for p-p fusion has an approximate dependence on density and temperature given by: E= e (p/pc)(T/Tc)^4 i don't know how to write all the symbols so in the above: E is epsilon, e is epsilon at the centre of the star, p is the density, pc is density at the centre...
  44. N

    Intro to Astronomy & Astrophysics

    Introductory Astronomy & Astrophysics by Zeilkik and Gregory 4th edition. What are your opinions on this book? As far as I know the field has changed dramatically over the years and I was wondering if I should get a better or newer book since it was published in 98. I also heard it had a...
  45. G

    Exploring International College Transfers for Astrophysics & Math

    So, I'm a US student. I'm in my second year at uni. I was thinking about transfering maybe to a school in europe. Here in the US we have sites like collegboard.com or princetonreview.com where you can search criteria and it'll show you all the schools that match your preferences. is there...
  46. K

    Where Can Beginners Find Good Astrophysics Websites?

    I just want to know if anyone has any good web sites on astrophysics. I am a beginner and I do not know where to start. Thank you very much.
  47. J

    Astrophysics - Can there be a contact binary from white dwarfs

    Question: A typical white dwarf has a mass of 1 solar mass and a radius of 10 thousand km. A typical neutron star has a mass of 1.5 solar masses and a radius of 30km. Given that there's a natural speed limit in Nature, namely the speed of light, is it possible to have a contact binary...
  48. C

    What Are the Best Current Physics and Astrophysics Books for Graduate Students?

    hi, I have some money which I have to spend on physics & astrophysics books. I want your openion on this matter. I am looking for books which are not too specific. For example I like A&A library of Springer but I do not want to buy books like "Supernovae" or "Gravitational lensing". From...
  49. H

    Best Astrophysics Books for Interstellar Medium & Radiative Processes

    I am searching for one or more good references in astrophysics. It should cover in any case the physics of interstellar medium and radiative processes. It would be nice if it cointains stars, stellar systems and stellar evolution. If must not contain galactic dynamics, structure formation and...
  50. D

    Physics What are the potential career paths in Astrophysics and Astronomy?

    Hello everyone! I've been fascinated by Astrophysics, astronomy and indeed astrophotography for quite a while now. Even though my knowledge is in its infancy, my dilemma as a student is not knowing where the three categories listed above can lead me up to. What type of careers is one...
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