Astrofysikassa

Astrofysikassa is the scientific discipline that investigates the physical properties and processes governing astronomical objects and phenomena. By applying the laws of physics, it seeks to understand the origin, evolution, and structure of the universe, from planets and stars to galaxies and the large-scale cosmos.

Subfields include observational astrophysics, which relies on data from telescopes; theoretical astrophysics, which develops models; cosmology, which studies the universe as a whole; high-energy astrophysics, exoplanet science, astrochemistry, and astroparticle physics. Methods combine measurements across the electromagnetic spectrum with spectroscopy, astrometry, and computational modeling. In recent decades, gravitational-wave astronomy and neutrino astronomy have become important components of multi-messenger astrophysics.

Key instruments and facilities span space-based and ground-based observatories. Examples include space telescopes such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope; ground-based arrays and telescopes such as ALMA, the Very Large Telescope, and Keck; and detectors for X-ray, infrared, and radio wavelengths. Gravitational-wave observatories such as LIGO and Virgo contribute to the study of compact objects and explosive events.

Research in astrofysikassa is typically conducted in universities, national laboratories, and international collaborations, often involving large surveys that enable statistical studies of object populations. The field integrates theory, observation, and computation to advance understanding of cosmic phenomena, from stellar life cycles to the expansion and composition of the universe.