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Physics provides the fundamental laws and principles that astrophysics applies in the study of celestial bodies and phenomena.
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Classical mechanics is essential in astrophysics as it helps describe the motion of celestial bodies and underpins the laws that govern planetary orbits and dynamics.

Astrophysics

physics chemistry astronomy cosmology quantum_mechanics relativity stellar_evolution
Astrophysics is a branch of astronomy that involves the application of principles of physics and chemistry to explain the birth, life and death of stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae and other objects in the universe. It provides an understanding of the physical properties and dynamic behaviour of celestial bodies and phenomena, including relativity, quantum mechanics, stellar dynamics and evolution, and the big bang theory.

Introduction to Astrophysics

Astrophysics is a subfield of astronomy that seeks to apply the principles and methods of physics and chemistry to the study of the universe beyond our own planet. It encompasses the study of the interaction of radiation with matter, especially in celestial bodies such as stars, planets, and galaxies. This field of science has played a significant role in the development of physical laws, such as Einstein's theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.

Key Areas of Astrophysics

  • Stellar Astrophysics: This branch delves into the life cycle of stars, from their birth to their death. It includes the study of stellar evolution, the production of chemical elements by nucleosynthesis and their spread across the universe by planetary nebulae, supernovae and stellar winds.
  • Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics: This area analyses our Milky Way galaxy and galaxies beyond the Milky Way. Topics include galaxy formation and evolution, dark matter, active galactic nuclei, and large-scale structure of the cosmos.
  • Cosmology: This discipline aims to understand the universe as a whole, including its early history and evolution.

Methods of Astrophysics

The primary tools used in this field are telescopes. There are various types of telescopies, including optical, radio, x-rays, and gamma-ray telescopes. Observations made using these instruments form the basis of astrophysical research.

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Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang theory, a fundamental principle in cosmology, is derived from astrophysical observations and calculations. It is the leading explanation for the origin and evolution of the universe.
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Galactic Astronomy
Galactic astronomy is a branch of astrophysics that specializes in the study and understanding of our own galaxy and its structure. Astrophysics provides the fundamental principles that galactic astronomy builds upon.
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Stellar Evolution
Stellar evolution is a sub-discipline within astrophysics. The principles and theories of astrophysics are used to describe and predict the life cycle of stars, from their formation to their eventual demise.
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Cosmology
Cosmology is a subdivision of astrophysics which specifically deals with studying of the universe as a whole, including its birth, evolution and eventual fate.
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Dark Matter
Dark matter is a hypothetical component of the universe, inferred from gravitational effects on visible matter. The study of dark matter and its implications are derived from the principles of astrophysics.
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Gravity
Gravity is a principle concept in astrophysics, being one of the main forces that govern the motion and interaction of celestial bodies in the universe.
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Stellar Astrophysics
Stellar astrophysics, a subfield of astrophysics, specifically investigates the evolution, the physical properties, and the processes of the stars in the universe.
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Planetary Science
Planetary Science is a branch of astrophysics focusing on the study of specific celestial bodies such as planets and moons, thus it stems from a deeper understanding of astrophysics with a narrower focus.
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Extragalactic Astronomy
Extragalactic astronomy is a part of astronomy, and by extension astrophysics, that is concerned with objects outside our own galaxy, such as other galaxies and quasars. Astrophysics' principles and laws are applied in this field.
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Stellar Physics
Stellar Physics is a subfield of Astrophysics which focuses specifically on the physical and chemical phenomena occurring in stars. Hence, it is derived from the understanding of broader aspects of astrophysics like laws of physics and chemistry and their application on cosmic objects.