What is Astrophysics: Definition and 861 Discussions

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. C

    Physics Theoretical physics or astrophysics

    I am soon to apply for university and I am not quite sure what I want to study. Theoretical physics and astrophysics/astronomy/cosmology all seem like very interesting fields of physics to me. How do I go about when I choose my career path? Which one of the fields has been more prospering than...
  2. Greg Bernhardt

    Astrophysics An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics by Bradley W. Carroll and Dale A. Ostlie

    Author: Bradley W. Carroll (Author), Dale A. Ostlie (Author) Title: An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0805304029/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Contents:
  3. T

    Looking for a Portable Astrophysics Book? Check Out the Nexus 7 32GB!

    Hi - I recently bought an old edition of carroll ostlie real cheap and I'm not too motivated because the book is gigantic and unwieldy. anyone know of a good intro astrophysics book on that level but in a fun-size/portable? :D Thanks
  4. C

    Astrophysics Prerequisites Question

    I'm interested in taking some astrophysics classes in Univeristy, and I am just wondering if I have to take Chemistry in high school to be able to take the classes? Or does it depend on the University you are going to?
  5. T

    Physics What career options are available after an Astrophysics degree

    I'm thinking of doing an astrophysics degree and was wondering what career choices would be available to me after this with just the degree. I would hope to do a masters and so on but that may not work out. I know i could go into research with the college or university but other then that I am...
  6. T

    Physics Astrophysics on par with physics? (perception-wise)

    Hi all, earlier this year I asked about astronomy vs physics, and the general consensus was that, at least in the academic world, astronomy is thought of as fringe in the sense that you won't get hired to a physics post or be able to do physics research, but a physicist could do astronomy...
  7. shounakbhatta

    Explaining the Virial Theorem in Astrophysics

    Hello, I am reading Virial theorem from Wikipedia. It states in astrophysics, virial relations are: 3/5 GM/R=3/2... I want to know how this 3/5 and 3/2 value comes from? If somebody can explain the step by step deduction of the Virial theorem in Astrophysics... Thanks, --...
  8. romsofia

    Courses What should I review over break for this Astrophysics course?

    Description: This course covers stellar astrophysics, solar physics, star formation, stellar evolution, processes in the interstellar medium, galactic dynamics and evolution, formation of galaxies and cosmology. Book: INTRO TO MODERN ASTROPHYSICS- Carrol What should I review over break...
  9. C

    Schools High energy astrophysics schools

    I realize that I want to do high energy astrophysics (thereafter designated as HEAP). I applied at the MSc level at McGill to do just that. (I have alternate schools for different physical subjects: my own undergraduate school for white dwarves/exoplanets, York for dark energy) But, if I...
  10. M

    What math does one need to know prior to learning Astrophysics

    As stated in the title I was wondering what kind of math would be needed to understand astrophysics ...
  11. Gliese123

    Which mathematical formulas are used in the search for extraterrestrial planets?

    Hello there! I'm currently working on an essay regarding astrophysics. The level of this essay is of high school standards but I do like math and physics so advanced calculations doesn't frighten me. :redface: Anyway so the essay's is about the astrophysics behind our search for...
  12. R

    Programs What minor would pair well with an astrophysics major?

    Hi, I was thinking of possibly majoring in astrophysics, but I cannot think of any good minor to accompany an astrophysics major. Does anyone know of a good minor that would supplement a major in astrophysics and be of some use?
  13. P

    MATLAB .Getting Started with MATLAB for Astrophysics Projects

    Hello, This is my first semester as a graduate student in astrophysics. I have a project and I should use MATLAB. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to use the software. Can someone please recommend any tutorials, books, links, ebooks, … Thanks a lot
  14. N

    Astrophysics: radiation pressue&gas pressure

    first sorry for my english. i wrote the problem and equations.the result is: critical mass of a star =2,5x mass of the sun. but i couldn't find the result.pls help me to find the result with this equations.
  15. S

    Programs Applying to Universities for Astrophysics and Particle Physics

    I am a high school student. i am applying to universities for admission next year. I really like physics. I want to study both astrophysics and particle physics. How can i do this? And which universities offer dual degrees/majors in both these fields? I also heard of a new field astroparticle...
  16. M

    Schools Astrophysics and Aerospace Engineering in Graduate School?

    I am just a freshman in college but I am really confused in what to do. I was thinking about doing a double major in physics and mechanical engineering. Would that get me ready for graduate studies in astrophysics and aerospace engineering? Also, I wanted to know, is that a good career? I...
  17. shounakbhatta

    Astrophysics and fluid solution

    I was reading wikipedia and came across the following statement: "In general relativity, a fluid solution is an exact solution of the Einstein field equation in which the gravitational field is produced entirely by the mass, momentum, and stress density of a fluid. In astrophysics, fluid...
  18. A

    Programs Difference between astrophysics and physics undergraduate degree.

    I am in the final year of high school.Many colleges offer astrophysics courses after high school.I am interested in physics in general and would not like to commit myself to an area so early to an area. I am sure about my interest in physics but I don't know which area I would like to go in and...
  19. J

    Schools Schools for Astrophysics/ Astronomy

    Hello, I am a sophomore in high school and am looking to go into physics and ideally astrophysics. I am in honors precalc/trig right now and will be taking AP Calc next year, and probably multivariable calc my senior year. I'm in chemistry this year and physics next year. I will probably...
  20. S

    Physics What should I do? [What are my chances in astrophysics?]

    Hi! I am a freshman in Physics here in Portugal. I have a career in front of me and I don’t want to waste it. I wanted to do my master’s degree in Astrophysics if possible and a PhD in a very good university out of Portugal. With all the respect, could I ask what are the requirements for a...
  21. R

    Physics Do i have to get a physics degree to pursue astrophysics?

    i have a bachelor's degree in math...and after working some years in the music industry, I've decided to pursue another passion of mine, astrophysics...after looking at the GRE physics practice test, i realized i really don't know much about physics in general...and there aren't any good...
  22. S

    Astrophysics and the Private Sector

    I'm currently studying physics and astronomy as a second year student. I really like the subject area, but I'm am unsure of how likely I will be able to find a job within private industry relating to astronomy/astrophysics. I know there are a few jobs out there, but GPS and satellite...
  23. E

    Programs Do I have to know calculus before majoring in Astrophysics?

    Hello everyone, this is my first time posting on the site. I'm 18, live in California, still in high school, and I'm going to graduate come November. I'm going to either a state university, UC Irvine, or a community college and majoring in Astrophysics. The only math I know is algebra and...
  24. D

    What is the easiest way to start college in Physics, Astrophysics, or Astronomy?

    I live in a home where we don't make very much money, but I would really like to go to school for Astrophysics. As of right now I do not know a lot as far as the mathematical processes go, so depending on where I were to get a scholarship or grant it might be rather difficult. What other ways...
  25. L

    Programs Exploring Astrophysics: Preparing for a Masters Degree

    Well, Astrophysics has interested me for quite a few years now and I was wondering where to go next. I'm currently just hitting year 13, studying Physics, Chemistry and Maths. I was just looking at ways to get a masters in Astrophysics, maybe abroad apprenticeships, other ways or even just the...
  26. S

    Engineering Astrophysics or Engineering: Which Path Should I Choose for Grad School?

    Hey, I need some advice. I am thinking about grad school for astrophysics and trying to decide what I should do. The question I am posing is that given the low availability of PhD astro job would it be better just to become an engineer (electrical) and do astronomy/astrophysics on my own if...
  27. A

    Astrophysics, star collision

    Homework Statement The problem is assume Andromeda and the Milky Way are going to collide. the relative speed of them moving is 10^6m/s. assume each star has the radius of our sun (6.955*10^8m) the distance between each star is 3.1*10^18 m. how long will it take for a star to collide with...
  28. M

    Going into Astrophysics (currently in 12th grade)

    Hello everyone! I'm currently in the 12th grade of H.S. ; starting September (here in Ontario, Canada). This means that in 3 months I'll be deciding what universities to apply for, what to do with my life etc. I've wanted to be an astrophysicist since I was 7. Ever since my teacher gave us a...
  29. J

    I'm 37 years old. Can I still get into astrophysics?

    Question. I'm 37 years old, former US Marine (13 years), I've been living in rural Japan for the past 5 years with my Japanese wife and two sons. I'm currently an English teacher in a Japanese Jr. High. I have taken only a few basic college courses on military installations. I love...
  30. A

    Physics Which is the main difference between Space physics and astrophysics?

    I'm on my senior year still trying to define what career am I going to choose. So I was filling up my applications but some schools don't offer astrophysics(which is the one i wanted to choose), but instead they offered space physics, so i want to know which is the difference between this two...
  31. R

    Schools What to study in college: Astrophysics or Nuclear Physics?

    I'm currently trying to figure out which field of Physics I should study. I have a huge interest in learning Astrophysics and am open to learning about nuclear physics. My current college has a great program for studying Nuclear Physics and numerous internship and research possibilities for...
  32. R

    Physics What jobs are available for Astrophysics majors?

    I was wondering what the job market would be for Astrophysics majors, I found some stuff already but all just saying research, nothing really too specific.
  33. R

    Astrophysics Problem (gravitational lensing)

    Homework Statement I need some help with the following problem: http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/9630/lensq.jpg The Attempt at a Solution First I have tried to work out the radius of the Einstein ring: r_E = \sqrt{\frac{4GM}{c^2}}.\sqrt{\frac{D_1D_{1s}}{D_s}} =...
  34. J

    Programs Advice for degrees in particle physics or astrophysics?

    I'm going to be a freshman in college this year, and I really want to go into astrophysics or particle physics. At this point, I really want to work at the LHC when I get out of school. I know I may change my mind along the way, but could you please give me advice on any specific courses to take...
  35. denjay

    No Astrophysics classes at my school

    I'm still an undergraduate in Physics and decided that Astrophysics is a very interesting possibility to focus on. The bad part is that my school (UIC) does not offer any classes close to Astronomy/Astrophysics other than a 100-level course with the description "Astronomy in the context of the...
  36. M

    Programs Aerospace Engineering PhD to Astrophysics Postdoc

    Hi, I'm from the UK and I'm in my final year of an aerospace engineering PhD which focuses on civil aircraft and engine design. For some time I have felt that engineering is too restrictive in terms of the science available to use; due to it's applied nature and safety restrictions within the...
  37. M

    Aerospace Engineering PhD to Astrophysics Postdoc

    Hi, I'm from the UK and I'm in my final year of an aerospace engineering PhD which focuses on civil aircraft and engine design. For some time I have felt that engineering is too restrictive in terms of the science available to use; due to it's applied nature and safety restrictions within the...
  38. T

    Programs PhD in observational astrophysics

    I have got an offer to do PhD in observational astrophysics.Now I have not studied astrophysics before so as far as I can make out a Phd in that consist of following four parts: theory, observation, computation and instrumentation. I want to know what fraction of time one has to spend in each of...
  39. Q

    Physics Astrophysics or Particle physics?

    I'm very fascinated on both things. I want to study Black Holes, Dark Matter and Dark Energy. Stuff like that in the big world of Astrophysics, but I'm also very attracted to particle physics with the ways forces works on atomic scale, and how elementary particles work. I really have a hard time...
  40. J

    Physics Is it too late to begin pursuing a degree in astrophysics at 26?

    In a nutshell, I'm a 26 y/o currently active duty military member with 8 years in (as a Aviation Ordnance Aircraft Mechanic), and plan on getting out honorably late next year. I've always been interested in the universe (black holes especially) (and the fact we are literally a way for the...
  41. Q

    Engineering Career stability in astrophysics and aerospace engineering

    I have heard much about how careers in aerospace engineering and astrophysics can be hard to find, one has to move around a lot, and the salary is not great. As far as money goes I don't care too much, but I'd like to make at least 75k a year, but I don't want to have to move around more than 2...
  42. A

    I want to go for a Msc in Astrophysics but dont have the sufficient skills

    Hello everyone. I have a challenge that has been bothering me and i would welcome any advice i can get right now. I have a BSc in Industrial Physics with applied Geophysics option. The problem is i don't know have a full knowledge of university physics and mathematics...am not even sure of my...
  43. B

    Astrophysics into Aerospace Engineering?

    Hello everyone! I'm here to discuss my decision on becoming an aerospace engineer. However there aren't that many universities that provide this program. I was accepted to three universities that taught this program, but they cost a fortune. So i had to chose a university that didn't have this...
  44. wolfspirit

    The dereference between; astrophysics, astronomy, cosmology and space science

    hi i am looking at uni courses and i a a bit confused between the differences between; astrophysics, astronomy, cosmology and space science in terms of what is covered in each . Can anyone help please. Ryan
  45. S

    Any way to study astrophysics after +2?

    any way to study astrophysics after +2? I am doing my +2 in coimbatore <tamil nadu>. i am being suggested by my parents to do b.tech/b.e in Mechanical or equivalent but i have a die hard interest in space science. i need guidance...BADLY ... Pls tell me is there a ug course in space...
  46. B

    Schools Advice on Switching from Biology to Astrophysics Graduate School

    Hello, this is my first time to post to ask for some advice. I will try to describe as neat as possible, so that I can some good info or advice. I graduated 2 years ago with bachelor of science in biology as major and applied physics as minor. Now I'm hoping to get into graduate school in...
  47. D

    Astrophysics or Geophysics as grad work?

    First of all just joined and wanted to say hello. I am starting at a 4 year in the Fall after some work at a community college. I am looking on advice on which path i should take for my grad work. Right now the goal is studying, then hoping to find a career, studying gravity and magnetic...
  48. B

    Schools What do astrophysics grad schools look for?

    Do they only look at gpa and transcripts? Would there be anything else they look at?
  49. R

    Schools What Educational Path Should I Follow to Become an Astrophysicist in the UK?

    Hello, i live in the UK and am wondering what courses i have to take at university to become and astrophysicist. I realize that its advisable to do a PhD/Doctorate at some point but do i have to do a full bachelors and masters degree individually or can i just do a masters?
  50. K

    Schools How to contact universities/research scholars for an apprenticeship in astrophysics?

    Hi, My name is Rupak Karnik. I am currently a third year student in electronics engineering in Mumbai, India. I have a very keen interest in astrophysics and space sciences and I plan to pursue a career in the same. I have a mid-semester break during the months of June and July for 6 weeks...
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