Astrophysics in a quantum universe

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between astrophysics and quantum physics, exploring whether they are interconnected fields or distinct areas of study. Participants examine concepts such as dark matter, dark energy, and the implications of quantum mechanics in astrophysical contexts, including the challenges posed by general relativity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that astrophysics appears to be more empirical and less theoretical than quantum physics, suggesting a lack of continuity between the two fields.
  • Another participant mentions that the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is searching for dark matter and speculates about the possibility of producing dark energy if it has an associated particle.
  • It is proposed that while quantum physics underlies all physical phenomena, practical applications often do not require considering every particle in a system, such as a car.
  • A participant questions the limitations of astrophysics to stellar phenomena, suggesting that quantum mechanics could also be relevant to theoretical astrophysics, potentially incorporating gravity as proposed by Penrose.
  • Concerns are raised about the intersection of general relativity and quantum theory, particularly in extreme conditions like black holes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between astrophysics and quantum physics, with some suggesting a clear distinction while others argue for their interconnectedness. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent to which quantum mechanics can be integrated into astrophysical theories.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the challenges of integrating quantum mechanics with general relativity, particularly in extreme environments. There are also mentions of the limitations of current theoretical frameworks in addressing the connections between subatomic properties and macroscopic astrophysical observations.

rustytxrx
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I have read a number of the popular books on astrophysics/cosmology and a number on quantum physics. oddly astrophysics does not seem to be a continuation of quantum physics. Quantum physics seem to be much more theoretical than astrophysics. Empirical astrophysics leads to unknowns such as missing mass in the universe. to a layman (me) it seems that astrophysics and quantum physics should be a continuation.

I assume that the missing mass in the universe was produced in the big bang. The LHC states they are working at energy levels near the big bang. will the LHC data every produce dark matter or dark energy?
 
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The LHC states they are working at energy levels near the big bang. will the LHC data every produce dark matter or dark energy?
There are searches for dark matter at the LHC, indeed.
Dark energy... if (!) it has some associated particle, the LHC might be able to produce it.

In theory, everything should follow quantum physics - but you do not want to describe the motion of a car by looking at all its 1000000000000000000000000000000* particles inside!

*lower bound
 
What do you have in mind by "continuation". Astrophysicists studies certain things, quantum physicists study other things, but there is no real conflict (except below). For example, how stars work (an astrophysics questions) requires a lot of quantum theory to explain.

The only problem area is what is going on when general relativity and quantum theory are both needed, such as what is happening inside black holes?
 
mfb said:
There are searches for dark matter at the LHC, indeed.
Dark energy... if (!) it has some associated particle, the LHC might be able to produce it.

In theory, everything should follow quantum physics - but you do not want to describe the motion of a car by looking at all its 1000000000000000000000000000000* particles inside!

*lower bound

Thanks for the heads up. Lhc was interesting reading.
 
I was wondering a similar question, yet nobody answered. Can you write theoretical astrophysics papers focusing on quantum mechanics? Perhaps gravity can be brought into the speculations, like Penrose sugggested, to account for quantum phenomenons.
Why does the study have to be at just stars, and not electrons as well?

http://astro.uchicago.edu/courses/index.php

"The Origin and <Evolution> of the Universe"

"the unity of basic physical law; and the connection between the subatomic properties of nature and the observed macroscopic universe."

It does not seem to explicitly prohibit Quantum physics from any form of theoretical astrophysics.

http://astro.uchicago.edu/courses/index.php
 
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