Astrophysics: Difference between revisions
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Research in astrophysics addresses a great variety of topics<ref>[http://www-thphys.physics.ox.ac.uk/users/Astrophysics/research/ Theoretical astrophysics] Oxford Physics, Oxford University</ref><ref>[http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/ CfA Research] Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics</ref> | Research in astrophysics addresses a great variety of topics,<ref>[http://www-thphys.physics.ox.ac.uk/users/Astrophysics/research/ Theoretical astrophysics] Oxford Physics, Oxford University</ref><ref>[http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/ CfA Research] Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics</ref> for example: | ||
===Stars=== | ===Stars=== | ||
:- stellar evolution | :- stellar evolution | ||
Revision as of 15:20, 3 January 2008
Astrophysics is a hybrid of Physics and Astronomy that attempts to explain the physical workings of the celestial objects and phenomena. Astrophysics has two subdivisions: theoretical, and applied or experimental.
Research focus
Research in astrophysics addresses a great variety of topics,[1][2] for example:
Stars
- - stellar evolution
- - magnetic field properties
- - stellar convection
Stellar atmospheres
- - nature of spectral analysis
- - electron density[3]
The Galaxy (the Milky Way)
- - interstellar gas and dust
Galaxies
- - modeling the environs of galactic-centre massive black holes;
- - the structure and dynamics of galactic bars;
- - the flow of gas into and out of galaxies;
- - the role of active galactic nuclei in limiting the growth of galaxies.
CMB (cosmic microwave background radiation)
Astroparticles
Black holes
Dark matter
Dark energy
Dark energy is a theoretical energy which exerts a negative attraction or opposes the positive attraction of matter and causes the universe to expand.[4][5]
Astrochemistry
Astrochemistry involves the study of the role of the chemical bond and organic chemistry in nature on a cosmic scale. Over 140 molecules have been identified in the interstellar gas and circumstellar shells. To date the largest is a carbon chain with 13 atoms and a molecular weight of 147.[6]
Inflation
Inflation refers to the expansion of the universe, its velocity and whether or not it is slowing or gaining in speed.[4]
Curvature
Curvature refers to the shape of the universe.[4]
Notes
- ↑ Theoretical astrophysics Oxford Physics, Oxford University
- ↑ CfA Research Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
- ↑ Degenerate electron pressure Swineburn University, Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Dark energy fills the cosmos Preuss, Paul (1999). Science Beat. The Berkeley Lab, U.S. Department of Energy.
- ↑ [1] Cosmology with dark energy decaying through its chemical-potential contribution. Besprovsvany, J., Instituto de Física, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (2007). Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical, 40 7099-7104
- ↑ Astrochemistry Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics