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. B

    Testing Best physics school i can get into with my current GPA/SAT score

    I currently have a GPA of 3.3 and my sat scores are 680-math, 610-reading, 560-writing. I'm pretty set on going for physics undergrad and going straight to grad school for my PHD but I'm open to suggestions. Any college that isn't really really far away from Pennsylvania but I'm definitely open...
  2. F

    Is an Astrophysics Degree a Practical Choice for My Career?

    I'm going to go straight to the point, I LOVE astrophysics, I've been interested in astrophysics for quite a few years now and I'm thinking of doing my EPQ on astrophysics as well. This was until my parents pointed out that employability for an astrophysics degree(I want to do masters) is...
  3. A

    Can Physics Students Find Support and Assistance on the Physics Forums?

    I really like physics, but I struggle sometimes and have found threads from here helpful in the past, so I finally registered. I hope to be able to help others and get help as I progress in my classes! Nice to meet you all, I go by Mel.
  4. Prins

    Astronomy Books on Astrophysics and astronomy

    Hi I have done my m.Sc now I'm interested in the field of astronomy but there were no subjects regardind astronomy in my masters course work I'm thinking of going into a PhD So I wanted to check aa the topics and get myself to the level to do PhD so please suggest some books
  5. S

    Exploring Differential Equations in Astrophysics: A Project Idea

    Homework Statement [/B] Hello all, I am looking more for an idea than an actual problem to solve. (That comes later.) Homework Equations I am starting a Differential Equations class, and I am looking for an idea for a project. We are to complete an application assignment in which we have to...
  6. J

    What physics fields having to do with space are growing?

    I'm in my first semester at a JC and I'm trying to figure out what kind of physics I might want to pursue as a career. I know I love space, and I want to be able to apply my math towards it. What initially sparked my interest in physics was theoretical physics, however, I soon realized the job...
  7. M

    Schools Exploring the Path to Becoming an Astrophysicist: Tips for College Students

    I'm currently in the college search stage of my life and I want to know what is the best way to becoming an astrophysicist. What Master's, Bachelor's, Doctorate's, etc. and in what field, and if should they be done in undergrad of grad school. Any help would be appreciated.
  8. S

    Career related to Astrophysics and Astronomy or other space

    So what I want to ask is that I will be entering a university next year so career selection is one of the very tricky and difficult decisions. MY question is that what if I do Some PhD in astrophysics or astronomy what type of job can I get other then a professor.? And as an foreign I may not...
  9. L

    Astrophysics Look for a couple of astrophysics books

    Hi everyone. I'm a sophomore now , majoring in astronomy, and will become junior in no more than 1 month. I have a good command of classical electrodynamics and quantum mechanics. However, I'm confronted with some problems. 1. I want to know more about Astronomy. I borrow Very High Energy...
  10. Christian Grey

    Astrophysics uses wave optics or geometrical optics?

    I know Astrophysics uses concepts like relativity etc. But I want to know does it uses wave optics or geometrical optics? The phenomenon of light,wave optics(reflection,refraction,polarization,diffraction and interference) that we see everyday, is used in Astrophysics? Or does it uses...
  11. S

    Astrophysics Career: 10th Grader Interested in Space

    i am in 10th std. and i am very very interested in space.i want to choose astrophysics or cosmology as a career.but will it be perfect career for me in future?how much salary would i get, as an average?
  12. M

    Is Majoring in Astrophysics a Disadvantage for Grad School Applications?

    I know this has been discussed before, but I wanted some opinions on my specific situation :) I have take a less traditional route through undergrad so far; right now I'm a chemistry major in my second year of undergrad, but it's looking like I'll be here for three more years instead of two. I...
  13. P

    Why is black hole photon sphere outside the event horizon?

    Homework Statement I am preparing a report on black holes and I recently learned about a phenomenon I was previously unaware of: the photon sphere of a black hole. While reading an article on said occurrence (I have now confirmed this on multiple sources) the photon sphere which is the minimum...
  14. coffee_cup

    Exploring High Energy Astrophysics with a Turkish Graduate Student

    Hi to all! I'm a graduate physics student in Istanbul Technical University, Turkey. I'm specifically interested in astrophysics, high energy astrophysics in detail. If you have any questions about this and that, please do not hesitate to ask! Hope to contribute well to this forum. Never stop...
  15. Dans La Lune

    Late stage career change, astrophysics specialty?

    Hi Background in optical/clinical physics ... about to go where - eh, probably many men & women have gone before - and would appreciate some feedback. What's the most interesting, sub-specialty/area of astrophysics and why?
  16. D

    Books for Beginners (Astronomy & Astrophysics)

    In the next month, I'll study about Astronomy and AStrophysics, so what are the good books for me ? Please ! I really love Astronomy !
  17. Christian Grey

    Which theory or field can explain this?

    Suppose I am in a room and light(photons) from the light bulb reach my eyes, or I am outside light(photons) from the sun reach my eyes and I am able to see the objects around me. I want to know what factors affect the path of photons like temperature, gravity etc.I mean by knowing these factors...
  18. brennabruce

    Brenna Bruce: Can I Become an Astrophysicist?

    Hello! My name is Brenna Bruce and I am 15 years old. This past year I have discovered my thirst for knowledge about the universe. How it works and what makes it work (to my understanding is explained by mostly physics) are concepts I want to be able to grasp. My question for anyone reading this...
  19. KylieVegas

    Programs Masters in physics without a different bachelors degree?

    Hello I am an incoming Biology student (college), i really wanted to take applied physics as my course but my parents told me that it is better to be a doctor, anyways, it's summer here and I started taking Calculus 1 in coursera.com (i have NO backgroud in calculus because we don't have...
  20. S

    Schools Realistically, can I get into grad school with a 2.8ish GPA?

    I'm an astrophysics major. I want to go to grad school. Whether it's physics, astrophysics, or astronomy I'd enjoy anything. My GPA is not good and realistically I was wondering what are my options if I had a 2.8 GPA (hypothetically, I still have two years left but my gpa is 2.4 now). I am at a...
  21. R

    Astrophysics Career: Pursuing a PhD & Job Prospects

    Hi, I am currently a sophomore in high school and wish to pursuit a a PhD in astrophysics. I was wondering how life as a astrophysicist is actually like and as well how difficult it is to reach it. I have a pretty strong background in math and science as I am currently in Calculus AB and plan...
  22. shanepitts

    A simple astrophysics rough estimate exercise

    Homework Statement Homework Equations (mv2)/r=(GMm)/r2 --------(1) r≈8kpc≈2.47×1020m v≈220kms-1 The Attempt at a Solution Using equation (1) and solving for M I got M=(v2r)/G=(4.84×10102.47×1020)/6.67×10-11 M=1.79×1041 kg does this answer seem correct? P.S. This is not a homework...
  23. S

    High School Student Thinking About Future Careers

    Hey! I'm a Grade 11 (entering Grade 12) high school student living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and I was wondering if I could come here and ask a question on if anyone could give me any advice on what I should do with my life? More specifically, which one of these careers do you think would be...
  24. DLOBE

    To grad school or not to grad school?

    Hi guys, Im Daniel, I am currently an undergraduate astrophysics student at CU Boulder. Just coming into my junior year now and I've begun thinking about grad school. My current career goal is to join the upcoming private space industry. I was hoping to get some advice about what to do after...
  25. DLOBE

    Undergrad astrophysics student, grad school or not?

    Hi guys, Im Daniel, I am currently an undergraduate astrophysics student at CU Boulder. Just coming into my junior year now and I've begun thinking about grad school. My current career goal is to join the upcoming private space industry. I was hoping to get some advice about what to do...
  26. R

    Schools Studying astrophysics in graduate school

    Hello again, After a recent course in extragalactic astronomy, I have realized the field of astrophysics is quite beautiful. I am incredibly fascinated in the cosmological aspect of astrophysics along with high-energy aspects as well: AGN, Neutron stars, Black Holes. How competitive is studying...
  27. E

    Programs Shifting between two Master's Degrees

    I am currently a part-time student in the Master of Science in Astronomy course in our country (I already finished one semester, and I am currently taking the second one). However, my employer (I work at a research laboratory concerning meteorology), has suggested that I take a Master of Science...
  28. JosephLa

    How is centrifugal force created in a cloud of gas in space?

    First, may I apologize in advance if this question is in the wrong section of the forums. Given a cloud of mixed gasses and rocky material, how is spin created when a star is born? I will also give the cloud of gas a random order of movement prior to star formation. Can the physics for the...
  29. B

    What is the semantic error in my code

    Note that the code I am using is Python. Currently, I am attempting to numerically solve the equations of state that give rise to the Chandrasekar limit for a white dwarf star. My code works for a simple harmonic oscillator given the correct equations of motion, but does not compute the correct...
  30. J

    Schools Where should I go to college for astrophysics?

    Hi everyone, I'm hoping to end up with a PhD in astrophysics. Where should I go to college? I have a full ride at UMD College Park, and I got into UChicago. If I go to UMD, I'd probably double-major in aerospace engineering. Which school would be better at getting me to a good PhD program? Also...
  31. B

    What if expansion rate of a universe is the speed of light?

    What If we accept starting point of the big bang as the central point and what If the equatorial expansion rate of a spinning universe was the speed of light, how would it impact universe? ( In this question, you may think yourself as an observer from out of universe. I try to mean with "the...
  32. B

    Exploring Light and Physics: A Scientist's Journey of Discovery and Learning

    Hi. 4 years ago my child asked to me a question... What will be happen, if the light is stop? I tried to answer it ... But my knowledge is insufficient. (I had been educated at social science, specially labor laws) . So I searched, tried to learn something new... So I liked physics. Of course it...
  33. AgentSmith

    Astrophysics Unlock the Math behind Astronomy: A Student's Guide by Fleisch & Kregnow

    Student's Guide to the Mathematics of Astronomy, by Fleisch and Kregnow. For beginners, uses algebra, geometry, and trig applied to astronomy and cosmology. Helpful for students who get bogged down in mathematical manipulations and coming up with equations in the first place.
  34. elif

    What's in the center (at r=0) of the sun?

    Homework Statement There is no given data.the instruction ask to write ab essay about this topic.what will be find in the center? Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I read about sun.in the core there is fusion.neutrinos...etc.but i don't have a full idea.thanks for your helps.
  35. C

    Calculating albedo and eccentricity

    I have a three part question: Background: For a planet on an orbit with semi-major axis a and eccentricity e, the distance of closest approach to the Sun is r = a(1 − e) and the farthest approach is r = a(1 + e). (1) Assuming an albedo A = 0.2, estimate the temperature on Earth in equilibrium...
  36. Mariana Thomas

    Career in Astrophysics - Get Hones Answers Now

    Hello, I'm new to this forum and I've never posted a thread, but everyone on here seems very friendly so I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask a question that's been on my mind lately. I'm interested in becoming an astrophysicist, but I've heard that it's very hard to get a job. Is this true...
  37. V

    Engineering Can I Pursue Engineering and Astrophysics Simultaneously?

    Hey guys I'm new to this website. I'm from India and my problem is quite simple. So I want to do engineering and astrophysics.Both are completely different right? This may sound dumb but.. Anyway to take up engineering and then specialize in astrophysics or something? I've searched around the...
  38. S

    Angular separation between moons

    Please help I am not sure of how to work this out The angular separation between Styx and Nix 28 days after they are in line with each other on the same side of Pluto. Mass of Nix = 5*10^16 Kg Orbital Radius of Nix = 48675 Km Orbital period of Styx = 20 Earth days
  39. N

    Nicole: Pursuing an Astrophysics PhD

    Hi, I am a new user :oldbiggrin: My name is Nicole and I am interested in the astrophysics PhD program. I have a bachelor's degree in biology (final GPA 3.68) and I'm currently doing my masters degree in biotechnology in Puerto Rico. I don't have research experience so far, but I have recently...
  40. Meron

    Indian Institute of technology for astrophysics

    I'm currently a class 12 student in a CBSE school. I'm interested in pursuing a career in astrophysics. I'm not sure of which university to go to for my undergraduate studies. Furthermore, my senior is advising me to apply to Indian Institute of technology. But its rank in qs top universities...
  41. Hunter Brandon

    Time Theory in Astrophysics: How Is It Possible?

    I'm new to Astrophysics but some scientists say that all time is happening at one time. How is this possible if the universe is still expanding
  42. Y

    What is the difference between astronomy study and astrophysics study ?

    Which one let's you to have your own lab and make mind-blowing experiments without any interuption for you to think and create something new and to explore something profound ? ( I know there is something wrong but i'd like to learn)
  43. L

    British Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition

    So I've been told recently, that I will be participating in the "British Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition", which I am really excited about. I took the British Physics Olympiad Paper earlier this year, and feel like I could've done better.So because I am quite new to Astronomy...
  44. P

    Are there gaps between the rays coming from the sun?

    Hi! I have a question regarding the radiation coming from the sun. It might seem stupid to some people but I would really like to know how this works. When you see images of the sun's rays reaching the Earth for example on this image from wikipedia (see attached image). The rays are almost...
  45. P

    Investigating Comet 67P's Elliptical Orbit

    Homework Statement Currently, I am trying to prove the "conservation of energy" concept within a comet's elliptical orbit by finding the mechanical energy of the aphelion and perihelion point to see if they're equal. However, they don't equal each other when I calculate both points. (aphelion...
  46. Michaelcomputer

    Is it possible that black holes create dark matter/energy?

    Wondering if it's possible that black holes create dark matter and dark energy from the matter and energy they consume. Then, inflation might slow when supply is low. This would support author Tarō Gomi's theory that "everyone poops." What role would time dilation play if that's what's...
  47. T

    Greetings - Tommy From Australia

    Hey All, I'm Tommy, a 15 year old aspiring Astrophysicist living in Australia. I'd like to be an active community member so feel free to PM me. I have a good knowledge of Gravitation and Relativity. Tommy :)
  48. I

    Astrophysics and mechanical engineering

    I have recently completed my A levels with 3 A's in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (mechanics) Growing up I've always been fascinated by both aircraft engineering and astrophysics (how the universe came into being, how its going to end, big bang and big crunch etc.) My question is for a...
  49. Damian Norton

    Programs How many hours, on average, of pure learning for bachelor degree?

    Hello. I am in desperate need for advice. I have searched for advice everywhere and each time failed to obtain it. This is my last resort. Please help me and bare with me while I explain the problem. I am 28 years old guy. I have literally whole day free to pursue whatever goals I see fit...
  50. S

    Opinion on BSIT to Astrophysics doctorate

    Here is the background. First of all, I am not an 18 year old without responsibility and can do anything. I have 4 children, and spent most of my young adulthood "screwing around" so-to-speak (that has NOTHING to do with the 4 kids thank-you-very-much, that came AFTER I settled down). After my...
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