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. W

    Courses Is astrophysics a prerequisite to study cosmology?

    I find it strange that astrophysics is not a pre-requisite to study cosmology in my university, students are only required to have taken general relativity. Is this a trend? How important would you say is astrophysics to learn cosmology?
  2. S

    B Why does the multiverse theory have only 4 levels?

    Why does max tegmark's and brian greene's levels of multiverses consider as the highest level the mathematical multiverse hypothesis if other authors like David Lewis consider that there could be also universes non described by maths? Why does it stop at level iv (mathematical universes...
  3. L

    Exploring the Intersection of Art and Physics: A Humanities Perspective

    Hi, I'm a new member. I joined this forum because I'm interested with astrophysics and cosmology. I'm actually in the field of the Humanities, currently taking up my Master's in Art History. I like physics because I think it is where art and science beautifully intersect. I started to see the...
  4. K

    What are Kaustov's areas of interest in physics?

    Hello everyone.. Myself Kaustov from NIT Trichy, pursuing BTech. in production technology. Very much interested to be a part of physics forum. I have knowledge on Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology and also Particle physics. Very much interested to be part of all the discussions and to help...
  5. T

    I Where in our solar system are asteroids that contain ammonia

    Hi! I'm doing a research project titled "Is it possible to colonise Mars?" I'm currently researching how to raise the temperature and pressure - and I've discovered to do this that re-directing asteroids towards Mars containing Ammonia would be vital. However, where do these asteroids that...
  6. ATY

    Physics I need your help for an job interview in astrophysics

    Hey guys, I'll have an interview for a PhD position on monday (they told me today) and need your advice. They want me to outline a sheme on how I'd create an experiment about sublimation on asteroids. The problem is, that I don't know anything about this topic. Do you have any ideas for me or...
  7. H

    Is a Space Project a Barrier to a Nanotechnology Master's?

    i am currently student of Applied physics in final year. for my final year project i was offered space,electronics and materials(nanotechnology) research work. i chose space research work but my institute is unable t provide its courses so we have to chose from materials and electronics. i chose...
  8. S

    B Acceleration of a proton/electron toward a neutron star

    So, I have this scenario: A neutron star with radius R = 13 km Time for 1 rotation is 3,150807 ms, so frequency f about 317,379008 Herz Mass 1,97 times the Sun's which is then 1,97*(1,9884*10^30) kg Extra given information: the magnetic axis is aligned with its rotational axis (not that likely...
  9. Newtons Blue Dog

    Schools How has you chosen grad school affected your career path?

    Hey guys, just after some advice on the perceived importance of finding a top notch college to attend post-graduate studies. They field I have a passion for is Astrophysics (yes crazy hard to get a job I know) and I was wondering if anyone has any advice on choosing graduate schools and how that...
  10. shihab-kol

    Physics Is a Career in Astrophysics Viable in India?

    Well, I am aiming for a scientific career now, and one area I would like to be involved in is astrophysics.So, is there enough opportunities there, especially in India? I know a lot is mystery like GUT,black holes,worm holes and so on.What I want to know is that can I really do something...
  11. A

    How Can a 3rd-Year Physics Student Begin a Journey in Astrophysics?

    Note: I hope, I am not breaking any forum rules, If I do feel free to move my thread. Hi, I am a 3rd-grade physics student, my department has not many student and none of our profs interested in astrophysics. So there is nobody to show me the way and I think some of you might help me. I am...
  12. S

    Problem about momentum uncertainty

    Homework Statement According to the Big Bang model of cosmology, the universe has been expanding since some initial time (call it t = 0) when the temperature was infinite. At early times, the temperature T scales as t^1/2 . The current temperature is about 3K. Consider the part of space which...
  13. Physics Dad

    How Can an Astronomer Derive the Distance to Alpha Centauri B?

    Homework Statement An astronomer has independent measurements of both the apparent and absolute magnitudes of Alpha Centauri B, and a measurement of the extinction towards the star. Derive an algebraic expression for the distance to the star and a second expression that shows how the...
  14. Physics Dad

    Astrophysics Problem - Effects of cloud on flux density

    Hi, I am attempting the following question: 1. Homework Statement If the extinction in the infrared K-band (filter central wavelength = 2.13 micrometres) is 10 times less than it is in the optical V-band (filter central wavelength = 550 nanometres), what affect would a cloud of Av = 3 have on...
  15. P

    I Electromagnetism in the Lithosphere and Ionosphere

    Hi guys, Disclaimer: not a physicist (I wish I was that brainy) Quick question regarding a speculative architecture project I am undertaking; In the completely hypothetical event of a huge, otherworldly solar flare super-charging the Earth's ionosphere beyond anything we have ever recorded...
  16. B

    Does the moon orbit as a classical particle?

    The moon orbits Earth at a radius of 3.84E8 m. To do so as a classical particle, its wavelength should be small. But small relative to what? Being a rough measure of the region where it is confined, the orbit radius is certainly a relevant dimension against which to compare the wavelength...
  17. A

    Courses Want to do spacecraft propulsion R&D but love astrophysics

    I've always been fascinated with space and space travel and want to see humanity advance in that area. I've always thought the best way for me to contribute is to work in research and development for propulsion systems (which I'm interested in), however, my main passion in physics is...
  18. M

    Programs Should I do a double degree in Aerospace engineering and Astrophysics?

    Hi, I've applied to study the Bachelor of Science Advanced–Research(Honours) course at Monash University and I intended on majoring in Astrophysics, but after doing some research I'm feeling really uneasy about it since it doesn't seem like there are a lot of jobs available for people doing...
  19. S

    Programs Any other military here pursuing a physics degree?

    Online classes... changing duty stations, maybe even deployments. Trying to pursue any degree is difficult while active duty military, but especially when you're pursuing a degree that requires many labs that are difficult or even impossible to complete fully online or with a lab kit. I'm a...
  20. Harshna

    Engineering Start Studying Astrophysics or Uptake a PhD Offer

    Hi all, I have completed a Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) and Graduate Diploma of Science (Applied Data Science). I have always loved Maths and Physics, but never really pursued it as I thought there were not many jobs for them (but I have taken first year Maths courses as electives...
  21. Krishant

    Other Merging Astrophysics and Computer Science

    I am currently a student studying for my degree and I'm 18. My question is that is it possible to pursue Computer Science and Astrophysics simultaneously. As a child I was fascinated with the origin of the universe and wanted to know how everything started and how everything works and later in...
  22. JMatt7

    I Virial Theorem and the Ergodic hypothesis

    Hi! I'm currently reading "The Virial Theorem in Astrophysics" by G.W. Collins (the book is available as a free web edition at http://ads.harvard.edu/books/1978vtsa.book/) in which the author claims the importance of the ergodic hypothesis when applying the virial theorem to astrophysical...
  23. S

    How Does a Career Change to Astronomy Begin?

    Hi everyone, My name is Zack and I'm new to the forum. I recently changed careers from audio engineering to astronomy and am queuing up to attend the University of Oregon in about a year. I'm a big fan of all the historic great astronomers, scientists and others who have contributed to the...
  24. H

    Ideas for astrophysics investigation/experiment?

    Hi! I need to find multiple ideas for a physics investigation relating to astrophysics. The investigation is going to be like a lab report and must include data analysis and be maximum 2000 words. I have already thought of one idea: Investigating the relationship between the size and the...
  25. J

    I How to model Solar System formation accurately and realistically

    I've been working on a crude N-body simulator which allows N bodies of equal masses to interact gravitationally in 2 dimensions. My goal is to model the formation of Solar System. Each body is modeled as a circle with a radius as a function of its mass, in such a way that all bodies have the...
  26. P

    I IOAA 2nd problems: universe expansion

    Could anyone please guide me how to do these problems?
  27. Erenjaeger

    B What is the Unit for Gas Giant Planets in Astrophysics?

    what is this unit, ⊕ ?? was reading an astrophysics book and came across it. "Gas Giant planets (>10 M⊕)" I am guessing that its mega something?
  28. G

    Unlock Your Dream Career at NASA: Tips and Steps to Land a Job in Astrophysics

    Hello those who are reading! I have just graduated with my undergraduate Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering with a 3.4 GPA. I currently work for a large civil construction company as a field engineer. I have written and published a Children's book about engineering. I am looking to start...
  29. B

    Other Help designing self-taught astrophysics curriculum

    Hey everyone, I'm new here and I hope I can get some help with this! I recently decided to start the no doubt long and painful process of teaching myself physics in order to pursue a lifelong obsession of mine, that being outer space / planetary science. I don't seek a formal education in this...
  30. Riotto

    I Why do galaxy and galaxy clusters look so colorful?

    Why do galaxy and galaxy clusters look so colorful?
  31. majormuss

    Programs What features/facilities do good astrophysics programs have?

    Hi all, I am currently deciding which astrophysics/astronomy graduate program to attend. I will like to know what types of facilities, people, environments etc. indicate a strong astrophysics program. Please list them in order of importance. By the way, the universities I am looking at...
  32. E

    Uranium-Lead Dating: Exploring Age of Rocks

    I just recently read about how we got to know the true age of the Earth but I am a bit confused and curious about one thing. The mineral or rock is initially going to be a uranium right? If it is, isn't all of it going to decay at the same rate? I know that a radioactive reaction is spontaneous...
  33. N

    Other Going to Uni for astrophysics but I'm kind of scared

    Hi! So, I made into all the unis I applied to, for astrophysics and astronomy, ended up choosing the one not as well ranked only because I made it into their concurrent education program with astrophysics, chose a professional program over a Bsc here. I'm scared, I love astronomy and physics but...
  34. F

    Programs Is a Computer Science Background Enough for an MS in Astrophysics?

    Looking for thoughts. I have recently gained an interest in Astrophysics and have considered going back to school to study the subject. I have a BS in Computer Science, and an MS in Information Technology and I believe my background is close enough to consider an MS program in Physics. However...
  35. Angela Ituriaga

    Other BA in Astrophysics -> MS in Applied Physics -> PhD in Applied Physics

    Hello, I am about to attend the University of Hawaii at Hilo as an Astrophysics major. I intend to complete my education through getting my PhD in Applied Physics, but I wanted to know if it was necessary to get a Master's? I would think so because of getting a BA in Astrophysics instead of AP...
  36. F

    Job Skills Become an Astrophysics Researcher/Teacher: Questions Answered

    Hi there, I'm from Brazil and I'd like to ask you guys: is it too dificult get a job as astrophysics researcher/teacher? I'm moving out of my country to study astrophysics in europe, so I'm going to do it no matter the answers since I love this field of study. But I just wanted to know how big...
  37. Gjmdp

    I Why bother with Astrophysics if we have String Theory?

    If there is a "theory of everything", a single equation that basically explains everything, why should be study Astrophysics, Condensed matter, or so? I mean we should rather study String Theory, Quantum Gravity... So, am I wrong? Maybe I'm leaving some important details.
  38. Gjmdp

    Studying What is better, Astrophysics or Cosmology?

    Even though Cosmology and astrophysics are pretty much the same thing, still there are some differences. Cosmology is like more mathematical, more theoretical. If you are a cosmologist you can apply ideas from String Theory or so. But if Astrophysics is more "experimental". I mean, obviously...
  39. E

    Temperature of a spinning and non spinning asteroid

    Homework Statement Consider a rapidly rotating asteroid with an albedo (reflectivity) averaged over the solar spectrum of 0.05 that orbits around a 3 solar mass star that has the same surface temperature as the Sun. The asteroid’s orbit has a semi-major axis of 15 AU. What is its equilibrium...
  40. Unteroffizier

    Find Absolute Magnitude, distance and "T" of binary star system

    This is the problem given at my basic astronomy course. If I turn it in within a month correctly, I get 10 extra points in the finals. Problem: We have binary star system consisting of Star A and Star B. Astronomers have observed it for 11 years, during which it has moved from point A to point...
  41. P

    Programs Can anyone tell me how to make a career doing astrophysics courses?

    I had recently appeared for 10th standard examinations. I want to make a career in astronomy, cosmology, and similar fields. I am looking for guidance & assistance for the same. Request for help from anyone from the similar field. Appreciate the response. Thanks & Regards
  42. Ryaners

    Mass-radius relation of a white dwarf - calculating radius

    Homework Statement Calculate the radius of a 1.3 Msun white dwarf using the mass-radius relation for white dwarfs. Give the answer in solar radius. Homework Equations Mass-radius relation: $$R \propto M^{-\frac{1}{3}}$$ The Attempt at a Solution So I've tried the following: $$R_{D} \propto...
  43. A

    B Just how Powerful is Computer Science + Astrophysics?

    It seems that for a long time astronomy and cosmology have been based on observation and then speculation. Those two tasks are both very hard on their own, with the observation costing tons of money to be able to produce effective telescopes and observation methods. Speculation is even harder...
  44. SpaceIsCool

    What jobs are available to an Astrophysics Student?

    Hello, I am a 19 year old female who just graduated from a community college with an Associate in Science degree. I chose to major in physics and am planning on continuing my degree this Fall at a University. My issue is that I want to go into the Astrophysics field, but I am greatly worried...
  45. logan merriman

    Im 12 and want to learn quantum and astrophysics

    my science and math teachers arent that good i have started to like planets and the idea of quantum mechanics I've been having dreams of me looking up at the sky and seeing saturn and Mars its making me want to learn more where do i start?
  46. T

    I Effect of planetary layer densities on trajectories of a satellite

    According to Cornell university's ask an astronomer site, we figure out the layers and their density of planets by checking the trajectory of a satellite /space probe or something like that, near the planets. But planets are quite spherical. then their density profile shouldn't be effecting the...
  47. S

    A What is stochastic heating of very small grains?

    I recently came across a paper where there was a term ''stochastic heating of very small grains". I went through some papers on this area but I am still confused about it. What is the vibrational temperature associated with very small grains? Does temperature has got a meaning if it's a highly...
  48. L

    Programs Summer camps in physics/astronomy for 9-12 graders

    As the title says...I am hoping for recommendations for the 2017 summer. Specifically, Southeast US, one week residential, hopefully under or around 500 dollar physics or astronomy camp for rising 9-12 graders. Thank you very much.
  49. G

    Particle Motion (Astrophysics)

    Homework Statement This is new for me, so forgive me my clumsiness. I am working on the following problem: A particle p is moving with a velocity v1 = c (speed of light) towards an object q, which is moving in the same direction with the speed v2, where v1>v2. Now, v2 is a function of the...
  50. Will K

    Physics Pursuing a PhD in Astrophysics - Is it Worth It?

    I am a sophomore in High School, and I am considering getting a PhD in astrophysics. Is a PhD worth it? Also, what job opportunities will be available to me? Thanks for any feedback : )
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