What is Astrophysics: Definition and 864 Discussions

Astrophysics is a science that employs the methods and principles of physics in the study of astronomical objects and phenomena. Among the subjects studied are the Sun, other stars, galaxies, extrasolar planets, the interstellar medium and the cosmic microwave background. Emissions from these objects are examined across all parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, and the properties examined include luminosity, density, temperature, and chemical composition. Because astrophysics is a very broad subject, astrophysicists apply concepts and methods from many disciplines of physics, including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, relativity, nuclear and particle physics, and atomic and molecular physics.
In practice, modern astronomical research often involves a substantial amount of work in the realms of theoretical and observational physics. Some areas of study for astrophysicists include their attempts to determine the properties of dark matter, dark energy, black holes, and other celestial bodies; and the origin and ultimate fate of the universe. Topics also studied by theoretical astrophysicists include Solar System formation and evolution; stellar dynamics and evolution; galaxy formation and evolution; magnetohydrodynamics; large-scale structure of matter in the universe; origin of cosmic rays; general relativity, special relativity, quantum and physical cosmology, including string cosmology and astroparticle physics.

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  1. B

    Schools What do astrophysics grad schools look for?

    Do they only look at gpa and transcripts? Would there be anything else they look at?
  2. R

    Schools What Educational Path Should I Follow to Become an Astrophysicist in the UK?

    Hello, i live in the UK and am wondering what courses i have to take at university to become and astrophysicist. I realize that its advisable to do a PhD/Doctorate at some point but do i have to do a full bachelors and masters degree individually or can i just do a masters?
  3. K

    Schools How to contact universities/research scholars for an apprenticeship in astrophysics?

    Hi, My name is Rupak Karnik. I am currently a third year student in electronics engineering in Mumbai, India. I have a very keen interest in astrophysics and space sciences and I plan to pursue a career in the same. I have a mid-semester break during the months of June and July for 6 weeks...
  4. M

    Astrophysics Photometry Exercise Coursework

    hi guys I'm a 2nd year undergrad doing astrophysics, and I was set this piece of coursework a couple of weeks ago, and it's due in a few weeks, so I'm getting started. Problem is, I don't know where to go with it. We've basically been given a load of data of measured fluxes in the U, B and V...
  5. C

    Are there any fields of astrophysics with no general relativity?

    Is there any research in astrophysics today that does not involve general relativity?
  6. K

    Programs Starting Astrophysics degree this year. Advice.

    Hi everyone, I've recently accepted an offer to study astrophysics at Hertfordshire starting this September, obviously I'm excited, but after working for a few years in I.T then going back to college this year and starting university next year when I'll be nearly 22, I'm also in need of advice...
  7. X

    Astrophysics: Magnitude of sun when Jupiter crosses over it.

    Homework Statement An observer 5pc away observes the sun in the plane of Jupiter orbit. He cannot resolve either object but he notices a slight dimming of the star when Jupiter passes across the sun in his vision. Find the magnitude of the sun with and without Jupiter in front of it...
  8. B

    Astrophysics: pressure in a supernova as in explodes

    Homework Statement In its early phase, the supernova is an explosion within the star’s own envelope; about half the energy is thermal and half is kinetic. Estimate the ratio of radiation pressure to gas pressure in the star at the moment the shock reaches the surface. (Not in the pre-explosion...
  9. C

    Where can I find reliable sources for online astrophysics lessons?

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  10. A

    What are the differences between Astrophysics and Astronomy?

    Hello, i am deciding between a career in astronomy or astrophysics and need help. I wish to know the differences in the two careers. What do each study? what is the pay difference in Canada? Where do each work and what do they work on?
  11. L

    Schools How good is edinburgh university astrophysics department?

    hi guys, i have completed my Masters in physics from India.i have applied for phd in edinburgh university for cosmology?how good is it when compared to their european counterparts?
  12. D

    Choosing a University for an AA in Physics & Astrophysics

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  13. X

    Astrophysics: Finding flux of a star given magnitude

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  14. D

    Math/science sequence up to Astrophysics?

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  15. J

    Astrophysics: finding the azimuth the moment sun rises

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  16. I

    Physics or Physics with Astrophysics?

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  17. T

    Physics BSc Astrophysics: Need Career Guidance?

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  18. M

    Compare Carroll & Ostlie's Astrophysics Texts: Any Suggestions?

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  19. C

    Looking into Physics / Astrophysics is it to late?

    re-posted this, I accidentally put this in the wrong location first time. So just posting it where it should have been the first time. I know the common saying is "its never to late to ..."etc. But I'm 21 almost 22 about to medically retire from the military. I've been struggling since I was...
  20. B

    Schools Astronomy and Astrophysics at University of Toronto; Admission requirements?

    I am interested in the Astronomy and Astrophysics program at the University of Toronto. How well does one need to do in high-school to get into the program? What are the required courses and what marks would be advantageous? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
  21. Q

    Programs Need advice for working towards Astrophysics degree

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  22. F

    Astrophysics: Passion or Practicality?

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  23. C

    Programs Possible to Double Major in Aerspace Eng. and Astrophysics?

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  24. phyzguy

    Physics Astrophysics eunemployment rate

    People are often asking about the job prospects in astrophysics. I thought this survey was interesting. Note the #2 entry - unemployment rate for astronomy and astrophysics majors - 0 %. http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/10-college-majors-lowest-unemployment-rates-163049193.html
  25. A

    Physics What are the details on Astrophysics?

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  26. S

    Astrophysics: Better than aerospace?

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  27. C

    Are there any astrophysics quizzes available online?

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  28. D

    What are some applications of lasers in astrophysics research?

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  29. A

    Need a good textbook for astrophysics

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  30. S

    Astrophysics - Which Programming Language

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  31. L

    Schools Top Astrophysics Universities on the West Coast: A Family-Friendly Guide

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  32. I

    Programs Choosing PhD Group + more (Astrophysics, UK)

    Hi everyone, I am thinking of applying for a PhD in Astrophysics to start in October 2012, at the moment I'm still researching different Unis both here and abroad but in doing my research I've seen that for your long term career prospects it doesn't matter so much what Uni you go to, but more...
  33. C

    Differences between Physics and Astrophysics and between MSci and MA

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  34. L

    Hi all,I am reading a paper related to astrophysics and I am stuck

    Hi all, I am reading a paper related to astrophysics and I am stuck in a step in a calculation. It is about orbiting gas in a spiral galaxy and it calculates the errors in the fitted rotation velocity if one of the viewing angles is incorrectly estimated. My problem is that I don't understand...
  35. G

    Programs MSc/PhD Astrophysics after BSc Maths and Economics?

    Due to my marks in high school i could not get admssion in any regular(full-time) BSc physics/astrophysics programme. I looked for a distance learning programme but cudn't find one except uCLan's BSc astronomy hons, which they say will take a minimum on 5 years to complete. They won't let u...
  36. C

    Continue with Aerospace Engineering or switch to Astrophysics?

    I'm a second year Aerospace Engineering student and I'm wondering if this is the best career path for me to take. Since a young kid I've always been fascinated by the universe and everything related to it. I want a career that will let me progress our knowledge of space forward whether it's via...
  37. A

    What Makes an Effective Astrophysics Blog?

    Hi...I started writing blogs related to Astronomy and Astrophysics 1 year back. But for this 1 year, I could hardly find 1 or 2 members' replies in my blog. Is it that my blogs are dis interesting or matter of any other thing? Please let me know what type of blogs would impress people and then...
  38. S

    Should I switch from aerospace engineering to astrophysics?

    My current issue is that I am starting to believe I made a slightly wrong choice in my degree. But then again, it's hard to say. I love everything about space and so getting a degree in it has been my dream. I really want to be one of the people that help move our society toward space travel. I...
  39. S

    Should I Choose Aerospace Engineering or Astrophysics for a Career in Space Travel?

    My current issue is that I am starting to believe I made a slightly wrong choice in my degree. But then again, it's hard to say. I love everything about space and so getting a degree in it has been my dream. I really want to be one of the people that help move our society toward space travel. I...
  40. R

    Preparing for a Career in Astrophysics: Advice for Young Scientists

    Hi. I'm 15 years old (grade 10) and I live in Vancouver, BC. Within the past 6 months or so, I have developed an extremely big interest in cosmology and sciences like that. It would definitely be my top choice as far as careers go, and I wouldn't be too worried about the money I was making, as...
  41. Vorde

    What are the differences between studying astrophysics and astronomy in college?

    Hey all, I am starting to think about colleges, it's a bit early for me (I'm entering 11th grade) but knowing which colleges I am seriously interested in would be a big help for a lot of reasons. I am absolutely sure I want to pursue a path in theoretical physics (not sure if that's the right...
  42. T

    Programs Astrophysics major behind in classes, feeling depressed

    Hi everyone, I may be being a bit dramatic about this but I feel extremely cruddy right now. I am (technically) a junior in college at the moment. I say technically because my first year was at community college where I not only didn't take 12 hours each semester (full time) but some of those...
  43. L

    Physics Exploring Career Paths in Astrophysics: Instrumentation vs. Theory-Computation

    "Practical" astrophysics. Hi, just a lowly undergrad hoping for some of the wisdom here to rub off. I have always had a keen interest in astrophysics and have considered giving a colder look at long-term prospects for an academic path in theory/computation in said field. Long-term stability...
  44. K

    Astrophysics Books - Suggestions for Learning

    I cultivate a strong interest in astrophysics. Can anyone suggest me texts for learning astrophysics?
  45. D

    Physics Physics with Astrophysics or Just Physics (BSc)

    Hi, I just want to know if it would be better job wise to have a degree in "Physics", or a "degree in Physics with Astrophysics" given; 1) I want to follow an astro related field? 2) I want to have number of options (physics related and/or unrelated eg banking)? ..and then an opinon...
  46. A

    Schools Can I Minor in Astrophysics With a Computer Engineering Major?

    I'm majoring in computer engineering, I already have decided this. But the problem is my minor - I wish to minor in astrophysics. Is this ok with my choice of major?
  47. S

    Books on Astrophysics and astronomy

    I have always been interested in astrophysics but my career took another direction and I have an MS in computer science. I wanted to go back and revive my interest. I have decent math/calculus background, ODE, PDE, numerical methods including solving PDE/ODEs, some linear algebra and...
  48. S

    Going on to do Quantum: Astrophysics versus Experimental Physics

    I'm doing an undergraduate in astrophysics at the moment. In Sept, I'll have to decide between continuing the single honours in astrophysics or doing a double honours in experimental physics and mathematical physics. My goal is to go on to do a masters, preferably in the UK, in quantum...
  49. S

    Physics Astrophysics student considering Phd prospects upon graduation

    I am studying for a degree in physics with astrophyisics (4 year course) in Ireland and am going into my final year. In my first two years, my grades were very poor due to lack of engagement and so on...I have improved upon this a little in the year I have just completed (3rd year) and acheived...
  50. T

    Physics Feeling pessimistic about my Astrophysics B.S, looking towards GeoPhysics?

    Hello all, I hope this is the right section to be posting this in, if not hopefully it will just be moved. I am an Astrophysics major currently seeking my B.S in my second year starting this fall. As such I'm not anywhere near elbow deep in it yet and am beginning to have second thoughts...
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