Astrophysics

Astrophysics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including the physical properties (luminosity, density, temperature and chemical composition) of astronomical objects such as stars, galaxies, and the interstellar medium, as well as their interactions. The study of cosmology is theoretical astrophysics at the largest scales.

Related Topics:
Astronomy - Physics - Luminosity - Density - Temperature - Chemical - Astronomical object - Star - Galaxies - Interstellar medium - Cosmology

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Because it is a very broad subject, astrophysicists typically apply many disciplines of physics including, but not limited to, mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, relativity, nuclear and particle physics, and atomic and molecular physics. In practice, modern astronomical research involves a substantial amount of physics. The name of a university's department ("astrophysics" or "astronomy") often has to do more with the department's history than with the contents of the programs.

Related Topics:
Mechanics - Electromagnetism - Statistical mechanics - Thermodynamics - Quantum mechanics - Relativity - Nuclear - Particle physics - Atomic and molecular physics

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