Astro physics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of the Universe, including the physical properties such as luminosity, temperature, chemical composition, and density of celestial bodies such as galaxies, planets, stars, exoplanets, and the interstellar medium, as well as their interactions with each other.
Astro physics is a very broad topic. Astronomers apply many different aspects of physics like electromagnetism, mechanics, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, relativity, particle and nuclear physics, as well as atomic and molecular physics. At college astro physics can be studied at the bachelor, masters, and PhD levels in the aerospace engineering, astronomy, and physics departments.
Astronomy was around for many centuries before the birth of Christ, but it was not until the second century B.C that anyone put forth the hypothesis that the Earth and other planets were actually orbiting the Sun. Until then everyone thought the Earth was the center of the Universe. This geocentric thought process caused the authors of heliocentric theories to be laughed at and dismissed as heretics. It was not until the 16th century A.D that heliocentric thought took hold through the Copernican school of thought.
There are two types of astro physics: observational and theoretical. An observational astro physicist looks at things through the electromagnetic spectrum. Other than electromagnetic radiation, few things may be observed from the Earth that originate from great distances. Gravitational wave observatories have been constructed, but gravitational waves are difficult to detect. Neutrino observatories have also been constructed to study our Sun. These allow cosmic rays to be observed hitting Earth.
Theoretical astro physicists use a number of analytical models and computational numerical simulations. Analytical models of a process are generally better for giving insight into the heart of what is going on. Numerical models can reveal the existence of phenomena and effects that would otherwise not be seen. Theorists in astrophysics endeavor to create theoretical models and figure out the observational consequences of those models. This helps observers to look for data that can refute a model or in choosing between several alternate or conflicting models. Theorists also try to generate or modify models to take into account new data. In the case of an inconsistency, the general tendency is to try to make minimal modifications to the model to fit the data. In some cases, a large amount of inconsistent data over time may lead to total abandonment of a model.
This is somewhat of a simplification of the broad field of astro physics. There are many opportunities within the field for study and fulfillment. Look here for a more indepth article that more fully explores astro physics. Here on Universe Today we have a great article on how astro physics can help save lives. In science you have to be published to be taken seriously. Astronomy Cast offers a good episode about taking astronomy from research to publication.
Source: Wikipedia
Jerry Coffey is a Registered Nurse and father of 5. He enjoys skydiving, astronomy, and time with his children.
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