Astrophysics, by combining astronomy and physics, provides an interdisciplinary perspective in the analysis of astronomical phenomena and objects.
Astrophysics is the name of the discipline that results from the study of physics focusing on issues specific to astronomy, such as the observation and analysis of each black hole and star . It is also responsible for providing information about processes that are developing in galaxies and planets .
Both in their academic training stage and when applying their knowledge, those who specialize in astrophysics combine references and tools from other fields of knowledge such as particle physics , quantum mechanics and thermodynamics . Likewise, they delve into aspects of cosmology in the search for certainties and relevant data about how the universe originated.
With the help of astrophotography , experts are able to confirm or discard ideas or postulates referring to celestial bodies that can be photographed.
Astrophysics classes
It is worth stopping at the scope, characteristics and applications of this scientific specialization that brings together physics and astronomy because there are several types of astrophysics that exist.
It is possible to distinguish, for example, between theoretical astrophysics whose purpose is to contextualize with a physical perspective observations made by astronomers (in charge of investigating how the universe has evolved chemically, to detail a specific interest) and nuclear astrophysics , a branch where They investigate, among other topics, each nuclear reaction linked to the stars . Many stellar discoveries have revolutionized humanity, but there are still unsolved mysteries and we need to continue advancing technologically and theoretically to update and incorporate knowledge about constellations and elements such as the type of star typified as a red giant or the group called a white dwarf. .
Particle astrophysics , meanwhile, focuses its attention on the study and research associated with neutrino astronomy (both low and high energy), supernovae , dark matter , gamma ray astronomy , etc., while The exploration of the physics and evolution of stars is typical of stellar astrophysics .
By connecting and complementing astrophysics and chemistry , by adding data that demonstrates the importance of this discipline, astrochemistry comes into play, a modality that generates answers in relation to the interstellar medium and the solar system . In this discipline, spectroscopy is very useful, a method that, through the use of a telescope , allows us to establish, in multiple areas, the capacity of atoms and molecules to absorb and emit light.
Nor can we overlook the valuable contribution of galactic astrophysics that emphasizes the Milky Way nor the contributions that arise from the exercise of extragalactic astrophysics that had its great boost from the discovery of Cepheids within the Andromeda nebula .
Research led by astrophysicists has made it possible to discover, for example, numerous structures located in the heart of the Milky Way.
Fundamental astrophysical concepts
Among the fundamental astrophysical concepts to understand the field of study of this discipline, for example, the so-called Kepler laws appear. These are statements formulated by the German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler seeking to describe, from a mathematical perspective, how each planet moves in its orbit around the sun.
The electromagnetic spectrum is also key when it comes to appreciating the light of a galaxy or star and detecting phenomena such as red shift or blue shift due to the Doppler effect .
To master astrophysics, one must also learn about the content and application of the theory of general relativity and the principles of quantum mechanics .
Beyond the essential theoretical notions, astrophysicists need to have tools that allow them to complete their work with precision. In that sense, within their reach there must be gravitational wave and neutrino detector equipment, radio telescopes and an infrared telescope , among others.
Astrophysicists are dedicated to analyzing fragments of meteorites, investigating phenomena linked to the universe and adding information about stars, for example.
Challenges of astrophysics
The challenges of astrophysics today revolve around resolving doubts that have been around for many decades, explaining more and more phenomena, debunking myths and advancing the knowledge of stars , planets , asteroids , comets , meteorites , exoplanets , star clusters , etc.
It will be key, in the short and medium term, to be able to focus on the study of dark energy , deciphering enigmas linked to the sun and accumulating relevant information to explain the emergence of a supermassive black hole , to list some challenges as a guideline. .
It will be convenient and even enriching to deepen the research aimed at establishing whether or not there is a connection between fast bursts of radio waves and earthquakes that have been detected in more than one neutron star . The universe has always surprised and intrigued the human species, which is why it is vital that scientists obtain, on an international scale, support, financing, technological resources and incentives to continue dealing with interdisciplinary projects conceived from the desire to continually cross and revolutionize the limits. of knowledge.