What is the difference between astronomy study and astrophysics study ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between astronomy and astrophysics, particularly in terms of educational paths, research opportunities, and the nature of experiments in each field. Participants explore the implications of these distinctions for aspiring students and researchers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the ability to conduct experiments and have a lab in astronomy versus astrophysics, suggesting that both fields allow for profound discoveries.
  • One participant notes that experiments in these fields are often observational or computational, indicating a lack of clear boundaries between astronomy and astrophysics.
  • There is a suggestion that financial resources may influence the ability to work independently in a lab setting.
  • Several participants express interest in studying advanced topics such as wormholes, time travel, and gravity, linking these interests to astrophysics.
  • Questions arise regarding the specific courses and programs needed to pursue a career in astrophysics, with responses indicating that it is a comprehensive program rather than a single course.
  • Concerns are raised about misconceptions regarding the nature of physics, particularly regarding popular science narratives versus academic realities.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of mathematics in physics and suggests that prospective students should engage with physics literature before committing to the field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the distinctions between astronomy and astrophysics, with no consensus reached on the exact nature of these differences. There is also a mix of opinions regarding the educational paths and the relevance of popular science in understanding physics.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of specific mathematical and physics courses for aspiring astrophysicists, but there is variability in the advice given, reflecting different educational systems and personal experiences.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in pursuing studies in astronomy or astrophysics, as well as those curious about the educational requirements and research opportunities in these fields.

yuganes warman
Which one let's you to have your own lab and make mind-blowing experiments without any interuption for you to think and create something new and to explore something profound ?
( I know there is something wrong but i'd like to learn)
 
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Usually the only "experiments" to be done are either observational studies, which would go under observational astronomy, or elaborate computational simulations, which would fall more under astrophysics.

That being said, the distinction between the two is not a solid boundary, and there is a wide gray area between the two fields.

Whether or not you get to have your own lab and work without interruption is more a problem of dollars than of science.
Though, as for that, I'm partial to quantum optics because you can build your own experiments by hand, and still see amazing things (on the small scale)
 
i want to solve the wormhole and time travel theory or maybe i want to study about gravity too
 
Great, you can study all these things by studying physics and specifically astrophysics.
 
what course should i take in order to be an astrophysicist ? (University level )
 
yuganes warman said:
what course should i take in order to be a astrophysicist ? (University level )
It's a whole program, not just a course. Most medium to large universities have an astrophysics program.
 
so what program should i take ?
 
yuganes warman said:
so what program should i take ?
Astrophysics
 
  • #10
My fault.So quantum mechanics falls in advance physics category ? I don't understand what should i do when i am in the university.
 
  • #12
yuganes warman said:
So quantum mechanics falls in advance physics category ?

yes

yuganes warman said:
I don't understand what should i do when i am in the university.

You go to your classes. Not sure what your question is.
 
  • #13
niflheim , that was very helpful thanks !
 
  • #14
If you mean what kind of classes should you take, then for all Physics majors you need the Calculus sequence, Linear Algebra, Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations, and maybe some Differential Geometry and Topology if you're into Relativity and Gravity, and maybe some advanced Probability for QM. As for Physics, undergrads usually take Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Quantum Mechanics in that order. Maybe an elective or two in Special Relativity or something, or if you're very ahead you can take Grad courses like General Relativity or Quantum Field Theory.
 
  • #15
yuganes warman said:
niflheim , that was very helpful thanks !

No problem.
 
  • #16
yuganes warman said:
I don't understand what should i do when i am in the university.

Most universities list the course requirements for their degrees on their web sites. Check out a few universities that you might be interested in.
 
  • #17
yuganes warman said:
i want to solve the wormhole and time travel theory

Wowow, hold on for a second. This is said mainly by people who don't know physics. In fact, very very very few physicists are doing stuff with wormholes and time travel. And in your undergrad education, chances are big you'll never encounter these subjects. Please don't go into physics because you've read some interesting pop-sci books or watched some documentaries that you found cool. Real physics is absolutely not like what is presented there. How do you feel about math? Math is absolutely essential in physics. I would suggest you to actually read a physics book before investing all your time into this.
 
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  • #18
micromass , I'm taking maths and advance maths in my high school , and i find it interesting when it comes to aplied maths. Even i can solve physics problems with using advance maths , but of course I'm not genius enough
 

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