What is Astrophysics: Definition and 860 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. J

    MechE & Astronomy: Jobs that Combine Both?

    currently, I am a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering. but, I've always had a strong interest in astronomy and astrophysics. i was thinking about switching to astrophysics, but also think it might be a bad idea - that it would be better to just keep astronomy as a hobby. is there any...
  2. S

    Astrophysics Coordinate Questions

    Homework Statement A sailor somewhere on the Pacific Ocean uses a navigational instrument to measure the altitude of the star Aldebaran (α Tauri, the brightest star in the constellation Taurus, the Bull) at the moment that Aldebaran is due south of the zenith. The equatorial coordinates of...
  3. Z

    Learn Astrophysics: Self-Study Tutorials & References

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  4. G

    Best astrophysics book for starters?

    Hello everyone I'm attending first year of the danish Gymnasium and do feel seriously mathematically impaired, however i find especially astrophysics very interesting, and would like to know something about it. It should be said that my mathematical ability is absolutly stretched at the...
  5. S

    Need some recommendations for books on Astrophysics and Astronomy

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  6. H

    Physics Observational Astrophysics vs Theoretical Astrophysics (Pros & Cons)

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  7. K

    Grad programs in observational vs. theoretical astrophysics

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  8. R

    Schools Advice involving grad school [doing astrophysics with a math/CS background]

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  9. S

    Difference between Astrophysics and Astronomy ?

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  10. S

    Astronomy, Astrophysics, Cosmology, Planetary Science

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  11. P

    Help Where to study Masters in Astrophysics?

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  12. V

    Astrophysics - darkened sun

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  13. 1

    Physics Non-Academic employment after getting a PhD in Astrophysics?

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  14. S

    CFD in Astrophysics, ideas for a senior project

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  15. Z

    Outlining the fields of astrophysics and particle

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  16. K

    Astrophysics: Finding the mass of a hidden star in a binary system

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  17. K

    Astrophysics: Deriving Newton's Gravitational Formula from Kepler's

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  18. W

    Astrophysics: Does it matter where I do my undergrad?

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  19. J

    Solve Astrophysics Problems: Quasar Time Scale and Density Models

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  20. K

    My troubled educational route (Astrophysics?)

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  21. Totalderiv

    Programs Does Double Majoring in Physics and Astronomy Boost Job Prospects?

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  22. J

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  23. D

    Astrophysics Mathematics Sample?

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  24. L

    Schools UCL grad school - astrophysics plus engineering

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  25. T

    Studying Thinking of studying Astrophysics in Canada - A few questions ^^

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  26. L

    Programs Top Major for future in Astrophysics

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  27. F

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  28. H

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  29. E

    Physics What jobs can I get with Astrophysics in the UK?

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  30. A

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  31. R

    Schools Astrophysics undergrad + grad school

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  32. I

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  33. I

    The Reality of Majoring in Astrophysics: Is it Worth It?

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  34. G

    Astrophysics, Physics, or Astronomy

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  35. C

    Physics Nonacademic jobs for astrophysics?

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  36. T

    Discover The Basics of Astrophysics: Top Book Recommendations for Beginners

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  37. J

    Physics? Astrophysics? Engineering? I don't know what to do

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  38. S

    Programs Phd in Theoreticle Physics and Astrophysics

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  39. S

    Physics Bachelor's in Theoretical Astrophysics at 18?

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  40. E

    Civil Engineering or Astrophysics it's decision time.

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  41. G

    Schools Astrophysics: Picking the right college

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  42. G

    Astrophysics - Accretion of Space Dust

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  43. P

    My Journey to a Bachelor's Degree in Astrophysics at Berkeley

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  44. S

    Unsolved Problems in Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics

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  45. L

    Can Someone Help Me Rearrange This Astrophysics Equation?

    I am really quite terrible at rearranging equations, I wonder if anyone could help? How can I rearrange : m-M=5log10(d/10) to give d=? Thanks for any imput.
  46. V

    Exploring a Career in Astrophysics at NASA

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  47. R

    Physics What can an astrophysics get into?

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  48. T

    Astrophysics, what do I need to do?

    I am currently getting ready to end my sophomore year at my high school and have basically come to the decision that i wanted to study astrophysics. Although i still have "time" it seems as though i will run out of it before it is too late, so I am wondering what suggestions people have that i...
  49. S

    Schools Achieving Theoretical Astrophysics at 15: Challenges & Opportunities

    I want to be a theoretical physicist. I'm 15 and a sophomore in high school. I'll be graduating next year (3 year program) when I'm 16. It's not a minimun program, I'm actually on the most distinguished graduation program (Texas Scholar). I just get many credits in a short amount of time. Since...
  50. S

    Downloading astrophysics book.

    How do you download the books on this website, I can't figure it out.http://wps.aw.com/aw_carroll_ostlie_astro_2e/48/12319/3153833.cw/index.html
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