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TheShapeOfTime
What kind of work does an astrophysicist do?
TheShapeOfTime said:What kind of work does an astrophysicist do?
cronxeh said:An interesting observation:
from an infinite distance away, the Earth seems like a point, so studying the cosmos from a single point is tricky - consider a point on a plane, and try looking through it and determine the shape and size of things far away. In essence, even if we are moving and have a somewhat stereo view through special techniques, it is still like looking through a point
A_I_ said:wow.. i didn't know that we should have knowledge in computer programming.. that's extremely cool.. well, but for what use? can anyone please explain?
A_I_ said:wow.. i didn't know that we should have knowledge in computer programming.. that's extremely cool.. well, but for what use? can anyone please explain?
TheShapeOfTime said:What kind of work does an astrophysicist do?
A_I_ said:my friend is in programming, i asked him about the languages suggested.
He told me that some are for webdesign and webscripting like php
A_I_ said:so you mean, that these languages will be among the obligatory courses which i will take in this major. right?
A_I_ said:wow.. i didn't know that we should have knowledge in computer programming.. that's extremely cool.. well, but for what use? can anyone please explain?
cronxeh said:I'd just stick with assembler, Visual C++, and MatLab. Also knowing AutoCAD if you are an engineer would be required.
da615 said:Graduates who go into Astrophysics choose to specialize in either the observational or the theoretical aspect of the field. Those who choose the former option need some basic core courses in Physics (EM, QM, CM and Math methods) as well as Atomic Physics and a pretty sound knowledge of computer programming e.g. IDL. A lot of observational Astrophysics is applied Atomic Physics. Many people go into it thinking that you'll be looking at cool Astro photographs a lot. Nothing can be further from the truth. You'll spend endless hours reducing spectral data. These kinds of Astrophysicists spend most of their time quibbling about various optimal filtering techniques , etc. to spot whatever they are after.
In case you are more interested in the theoretical aspect, you need to be VERY good at Math. You need a thorough knowledge of Differential Geometry, for example. Many theorists focus on solving complicated fluid dynamical equations with Magnetohydrodynamics/ Plasma Physics also thrown in. If you want to work on General Relativistic applications you obviously have to have a good background in GR. These types of Astrophysicists need more advanced Physics classes than the ones who focus on taking and interpreting observational data.
Brilliant_kid said:I'm a kid just going into High school next year. I'm looking for a job that studies how the universe works. I'm interested in all kinds of the things like coil guns perpetual motion machines. Would astro physics be a career I would pick?
An astrophysicist studies the physical properties and behaviors of objects and phenomena in the universe, such as planets, stars, galaxies, and black holes.
Astrophysicists use a variety of techniques and tools, including telescopes, satellites, computer simulations, and mathematical models, to collect and analyze data about the universe.
An astrophysicist's research and discoveries help us to better understand the origins, evolution, and behavior of the universe, as well as the fundamental laws and principles that govern it.
Astrophysicists can specialize in a variety of areas, such as planetary science, cosmology, stellar evolution, galactic dynamics, and high-energy astrophysics.
Astrophysics has practical applications in fields such as space exploration, satellite technology, and telecommunications. It also contributes to our understanding of climate change, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the development of new materials and technologies.