Bakhtawar Khan

 ASTROPHYSICS

Astrophysics is the most demanding and competitive field in Physics and space science. It gave us historic and significant knowledge about Universe and our place in it. The beginning, start, life, existence, future, and what are stars and galaxies made of? What are their properties? why do the stars shine? Astrophysics applies the laws and principles of Physics and Chemistry to gather information and data about Heavenly bodies( Planets, stars, moon).In this article, you will have an overview of Astrophysics, its history, importance, and how to become an astrophysicist.

WHAT IS ASTROPHYSICS?

Astrophysics is the branch of Astronomy that is concerned with the physical and chemical properties, origin, and evolution of celestial bodies. In Astrophysics, we study physical processes and the nature of celestial bodies. Astrophysics uses the tool and laws of Physics and Chemistry to find how stars produce energy. The formation of heavenly bodies, structure, and characteristics are concerned with Astrophysics.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ASTROPHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY:

“Astrophysics includes astronomy, but it is a bit more than that,” says Ms. Spiewak.

Astronomy is the scientific study of the matter and Universe outside the earth’s atmosphere. The center of attention in Astronomy is outer space and what it holds. Astronomy uses telescopes and computers to do observation and research to analyze data. They make theories and use them to get information about other planets.

In Astrophysics, we study Celestial objects by using principles of physics and chemistry. Astrophysicists use their knowledge to understand the universe. They pay attention to the questions regarding the origin of the Universe and how it may end. At some point, both of these sciences overlap. Astronomy is about the motion and position of heavenly bodies while Astrophysics deals with their properties, nature, and origins. In Astronomy, there is more experimental work than in Astrophysics.

 To make this difference more clear Let’s consider a Physicist who is observing and studying stars at night with the help of a Telescope. Now if the person studies and learns about the position of stars. That is Astronomy. But if he’s learning and studying about the age and distance of stars and how we will use the Telescope to study the nature and characteristics of stars. That’s Astrophysics.

HISTORY:

It emerged in the nineteenth century when William Hyde Wollaston and Joseph von Fraunhofer were studying the decomposition of the light from the Sun and discovered the multitude of the dark line in the spectrum. In the nineteenth century, a new Astrology was encountered, later named “ Astrophysics”.

IMPORTANCE OF ASTROPHYSICS:

Astrophysicists use their knowledge to understand Universe and our place in it. As human beings are a part of the Universe. They have questions about the universe. How did it start? When will this end? Astrophysics answers all of these questions about the beginning, life, and future of heavenly bodies ( Universe, stars, galaxies) and tries to assume how might it end. Astrophysics is used to acknowledge the nature of heavenly bodies.

At NASA, the purpose of Astrophysics is “to discover how the universe works, explore how it began and evolved, and search for life on planets around other stars,” according to NASA’s website.

HOW TO BECOME AN ASTROPHYSICIST:

If you choose Physics as your career path and are interested in advanced scientific concepts then Astrophysics is the ideal ground for you. Studying Astrophysics gives you a better understanding of Science and the physical world and our place in it. students who are Genius in math and physics should make good use of their ability. Seizing this opportunity will not only give you exceptional offers of employment but will take your love for physics to another whole level.