Astrophysics: Physics of the Cosmos

What is Astrophysics

The field of astro studies didn’t start with astrophysics, it started with astronomy. In earlier times, people observed more than calculating. They had amazing intellectual thought processes without much maths involved. This field was called astronomy. So, while astronomy deals with celestial bodies and how objects in space are, astrophysics deals with the physical laws and processes which result in their existence. In fact, astrophysics is a branch of astronomy: a branch tremendously vast enough to break itself away from astronomy to form a discrete area of research and engineering.

It’s by using the concepts of astrophysics such as gravitation and high energy physics that we are able to explain the movement of celestial bodies and how certain objects are luminous and why others aren’t.

Branches of Astrophysics

Astrophysics, being a vast topic, comprises plenty of topics. Each of these branches are unique, yet dependent on each other. A few of them are:
• Computational astrophysics
• General and special relativity
• Information field theory
• Sub galactic astrophysics
• Pre-modern astrophysics that includes newtonian and kepler mechanics
• Quantum astrophysics/ quantum cosmology
• High energy astrophysics
• Galaxy formation and evolution
• Thermal astrophysics
• Fluid based astrophysics that includes quantum mechanics as well.

  

  Techniques used by Astrophysicists

  When a chemical sample is provided, the first thing that chemists do, unlike popular opinion, isn’t taste it. They conduct qualitative analysis and if the quantity is required, they conduct quantitative analysis. Similarly, astrophysicists conduct research which includes numerous steps.

  1. How Kepler formulated Kepler laws of planetary motion

  Using Ticho’s observation of Mars and Ptolemy’s genius mathematical tools, Kepler was able to make a better model of the earth’s motion. He used the excenter and the equant and tried to create parameters using these tools. He was able to successfully discover the law of areas and claimed precisely that they didn’t move with constant speed but with constant areal velocity.

  But then this caused another issue: the orbits cannot be circular! He made a few corrections in his calculations and finally concluded that they are elliptical orbits with the sun being at any one foci at a time.

  This is how he was able to formulate the three models: using Plato’s, Copernicus’, Ticho’s and Ptolemy’s maths.

  2. How Trans- Neptunian objects are discovered

  We primarily use wide-field imaging to discover Trans-Neptunian Objects(TNOs). Wide-field imaging involves subjecting a particular area of space to light and storing them as data. With the help of scientific application, scientists were able to discover TNOs.

  For example, Pluto was discovered using photographic plates. This was a new technique used to discover pluto. Glass plates were used in order to capture pictures of the sky. It was then that Tombaugh noticed a faint distant object, which was apparently Pluto, thus discovering the dwarf planet

  One thing to note: There’s no one perfect path to pursue this career. You can also find tutorials on image processing and stacking by experts who can give advice on all kinds of astrophotography.

  That being said, here’s some of the most common and popular ways:
  • One way is by taking a bachelor’s in physics and masters in physics or astronomy. Doing a Phd in astrophysics will facilitate you in getting into renowned space agencies like NASA or ISRO
  • Another way is by obtaining a BS-MS degree from institutes like IISER or NISER and further going for a Phd in astrophysics or astronomy.
  • Computational engineering or data science or data engineering will also be required for agencies that need astrophysicists. So being a computer engineer or computer scientist would also help you in getting into the field.

  Some links and sources that you can Learn Astrophysics from:-

  1. Princeton
  2. Nasa
  3. Youtube
  4. NPTEL