Astrophysics/Astronomy Extended Essay -- Trying to figure out a research topic

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a suitable research topic in astrophysics or astronomy for an International Baccalaureate (IB) extended essay. The original poster expresses uncertainty about potential topics and seeks suggestions that are feasible and data-driven rather than purely theoretical.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the importance of self-directed exploration in selecting a topic. Questions arise regarding the original poster's background in astrophysics and the types of resources available for research. There is also mention of specific interests, such as redshift and its relation to distance.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered general advice on how to approach the topic selection process, emphasizing personal interest and exploration. The original poster has begun to formulate a specific idea but is seeking further guidance on data sources related to their topic.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is in high school and has not yet studied astrophysics formally, indicating a timeline for their extended essay due in January 2021. There is a focus on finding accessible data for research purposes.

SoulOfSword_
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Homework Statement
Ideas for astrophysics EE
Relevant Equations
Extended essay
Homework Statement: Ideas for astrophysics EE
Homework Equations: Extended essay

Hi Guys!

I'm trying to figure out a research topic in astrophysics/astronomy for my IB extended essay. I don't really know what to do, do any of you any ideas, maybe even off the top of your heads? It needs to be somewhat doable, or at least I can get data for it from google, it can't be completely theoretical.
 
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Welcome to the PF. :smile:

SoulOfSword_ said:
Homework Statement: Ideas for astrophysics EE
Homework Equations: Extended essay

Hi Guys!

I'm trying to figure out a research topic in astrophysics/astronomy for my IB extended essay. I don't really know what to do, do any of you any ideas, maybe even off the top of your heads? It needs to be somewhat doable, or at least I can get data for it from google, it can't be completely theoretical.

What year are you in University? What classes have you had so far in astrophysics and astronomy? What have been your favorite areas of study in those subjects? What periodicals do you read regularly? (Physics Today, Science News, others?)
 
Hi! IB is the International Baccalaureate and goes up to high school. I’m not in university yet. I haven’t yet started to study astrophysics in my physics course (I will do that next year), in fact the extended essay is supposed to be due January 2021. I still have a lot of time, I know, but I just wanted to figure it out now so I could start studying the subject and have some sort of advantage.
 
Hey @SoulOfSword_ , I am an IB student as well, and I'm conducting my EE in math. Considering your EE is due in 2021, I'm assuming I'm also in your grade level.

The main advice I can give for the EE is to investigate topic on your own, and with your own skills. Search for relevant fields and just look into the Astrophysics option textbook (I would recommend Tsokos). Try and naturally find an interesting topic. You can find your own topic best, and others usually won't be able to do so. Search for what you seem intrinsically curious about.

It might end up being the case that you drift away from astrophysics, or even physics (like I did :P)
 
lekh2003 said:
Hey @SoulOfSword_ , I am an IB student as well, and I'm conducting my EE in math. Considering your EE is due in 2021, I'm assuming I'm also in your grade level.

The main advice I can give for the EE is to investigate topic on your own, and with your own skills. Search for relevant fields and just look into the Astrophysics option textbook (I would recommend Tsokos). Try and naturally find an interesting topic. You can find your own topic best, and others usually won't be able to do so. Search for what you seem intrinsically curious about.

It might end up being the case that you drift away from astrophysics, or even physics (like I did :P)
Hi @lekh2003! Sorry for the super late response! I thought about it for a while, and came up with an idea. Something regarding red shift at cosmological distances and how that changed based on the distance. I researched about it a bit, but can’t really find any sort of astrophysical database from satellites, observatories, etc. do you have any in mind by any chance?
And yes, we are in the same year group :)
 
SoulOfSword_ said:
I researched about it a bit, but can’t really find any sort of astrophysical database from satellites, observatories, etc. do you have any in mind by any chance?
And yes, we are in the same year group :)
Honestly, I'm not sure about databases, perhaps some of the other members here have some more knowledge about collecting and gathering information.
 
@lekh2003 well thanks anyways for the help.
 

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