Astrophysics in a quantum universe

AI Thread Summary
Astrophysics and quantum physics are distinct fields, with astrophysics focusing on empirical observations and unresolved issues like missing mass, while quantum physics remains largely theoretical. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is investigating conditions similar to the Big Bang, searching for dark matter and potentially dark energy, though the existence of associated particles is still uncertain. There is a theoretical connection between the two fields, as understanding stellar processes requires quantum theory, but challenges arise when both general relativity and quantum mechanics are needed, such as in black holes. The discussion raises the possibility of integrating quantum mechanics into theoretical astrophysics, suggesting that gravity could play a role in explaining quantum phenomena. Overall, the relationship between astrophysics and quantum physics is complex, with ongoing research exploring their intersections.
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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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