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Astrophysics: meaning, definitions and examples

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astrophysics

 

[ˌæstrəʊˈfɪzɪks ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

study of celestial objects

Astrophysics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including the physical properties of celestial objects, the interstellar medium, and cosmic phenomena such as black holes, dark matter, and cosmic microwave background radiation.

Synonyms

cosmology, space physics.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
astrophysics

Astrophysics is best used when talking about the physical nature of celestial bodies and phenomena, ranging from stars and planets to galaxies and black holes. It's a broad field that combines principles of physics and astronomy.

  • She pursued a PhD in astrophysics to study the formation of stars
  • Astrophysics helps us understand the underlying forces and properties of the universe

Examples of usage

  • Astrophysics helps us understand the origins and evolution of galaxies.
  • Research in astrophysics explores the mysteries of the universe.
  • The field of astrophysics combines physics and astronomy.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word combines 'astro,' meaning star, from the Greek 'astron', and 'physics,' which comes from the Greek 'phusis', meaning nature.
  • Astrophysics as a term started becoming popular in the 19th century, reflecting a merging of physics and astronomy.

Historical Context

  • Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity in 1915 revolutionized astrophysics, describing how gravity influences the fabric of space-time.
  • The invention of the telescope in the early 17th century allowed astronomers to make discoveries that would lead to modern astrophysics.

Pop Culture

  • Astrophysics has inspired numerous films and books, such as 'Interstellar' and 'The Martian,' showcasing space exploration.
  • Famous astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has made complex concepts accessible through popular media, increasing public interest.

Science

  • Astrophysics covers topics such as black holes, the Big Bang, and the life cycles of stars, focusing on physical laws governing these phenomena.
  • The study of exoplanets, planets outside our solar system, is a hot topic in astrophysics, revealing potential for life elsewhere in the universe.

Technology

  • Space telescopes, like Hubble, have provided invaluable data about distant galaxies and the early universe.
  • Recent advancements in quantum computing could revolutionize data analysis in astrophysics, allowing for deeper exploration of space phenomena.

Translations

Translations of the word "astrophysics" in other languages:

🇵🇹 astrofísica

🇮🇳 खगोल भौतिकी

🇩🇪 Astrophysik

🇮🇩 astrofisika

🇺🇦 астрофізика

🇵🇱 astrofizyka

🇯🇵 天体物理学 (てんたいぶつりがく)

🇫🇷 astrophysique

🇪🇸 astrofísica

🇹🇷 astrofizik

🇰🇷 천체물리학 (cheonche mullihak)

🇸🇦 الفيزياء الفلكية

🇨🇿 astrofyzika

🇸🇰 astrofyzika

🇨🇳 天体物理学 (tiāntǐ wùlǐ xué)

🇸🇮 astrofizika

🇮🇸 stjörnufræði

🇰🇿 астрофизика

🇬🇪 ასტროფიზიკა

🇦🇿 astrofizika

🇲🇽 astrofísica

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,327, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.