Astrophysics and Nanotechnology Job and Career Prospects

What is Astrophysics?

Astrophysics is a science that uses the foundations and laws of Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, and Mathematics to study and explain the birth and death cycles of universe, planets, stars, galaxies, and other celestial bodies. Astrophysics is an inextricable part of other branches of Astronomy viz. Cosmology, Stellar Astrophysics, Planetary Physics, Computational Astrophysics, Astrometry, Extragalactic Astronomy, Celestial Mechanics, Solar Physics, and many more.

Let's understand, how astrophysics as a science came into existence?

Astrometry deals with the motions and positioning of celestial bodies. It is considered as a branch in astronomy and a topic for perennial research. Until the 19th Century, Astrometry was no different than Astronomy. In the beginning of the 20th century, the directions and angles between objects on celestial sphere were measured by different methods. Also, the "quality of light", specifically the light intensity (photometry) and color potency (spectroscopy), both, light intensity as a function of color or wavelength and spectroscopy were given significant importance in the research conducted. This was the birth of Astrophysics. The term Astrophysics is often used to distinguish current astronomical research from the classical Astronomy and Astrometry. This practice, however, is misleading, because Astrometry also is an essential part of Astrophysics. Measurements of distances between celestial bodies is at the core of Astrometry and it forms the foundation of all Astrophysics. Without the knowledge of distances between planets, satellites, stars, and galaxies, it is impossible to achieve the correct understanding of the universe we live in.

 

Read more:

• Job opportunities with Degree in Astrophysics 
• What skills you need to be an Astrophysicist 
• What can you do with Degree in Astrophysics
• Top Colleges to study Astrophysics