Astronomy and astrophysics, are they the same?

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SUMMARY

Astronomy and astrophysics are distinct yet interconnected fields. Astronomy primarily focuses on observational data regarding celestial bodies, while astrophysics applies the laws of physics to interpret this data and understand the universe's nature. Historically, these disciplines were separate, but advancements in modern astronomy have integrated physics, leading to the term "astrophysics." Astronomers gather observational evidence, which astrophysicists then analyze to develop theoretical models of the universe.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic astronomical concepts and terminology
  • Familiarity with Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation
  • Knowledge of observational techniques in astronomy
  • Basic principles of physics as they apply to celestial phenomena
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of observational techniques in modern astronomy
  • Explore the applications of Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation in astrophysics
  • Study the historical evolution of astronomy and its integration with physics
  • Learn about current astrophysical models and theories
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in astronomy and astrophysics, educators teaching these subjects, and anyone interested in understanding the relationship between observational data and theoretical physics in the study of the universe.

theophyman
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hello all,

what is the difference between ASTRONOMY and ASTROPHYSICS?

thank you in advance.
 
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Some people use astronomy to refer more to observations and astrophysics to refer more to theory. Some people use them interchangeably.
 
thank you for the explanation
 
It used to be that Astronomy was distinct from physics (e.g. back in the days of Ptolemy and Aristotle). One would have various models of the universe, or various observations of the universe and these would have nothing to do with Physics. As modern Astronomy developed, people found that we could use the laws of physics to describe what's happening in the sky too (e.g. Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation). Now, the two are quite inseparable, and we call it Astrophysics.
 
Astronomy is what grad and post doctoral students do to live in a 2 bedroom flat with 3 other people and eat ramen noodles. They gather the observational evidence used by astrophysicists to cipher the nature of the universe - IOW, what nick said.
 
so, the astronomer uses RESULTS of a physicist (ASTROPHYSICIST) to interpret astronomical models. is this approach correct?
 

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