|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
astronomy or astrophysics?
Whats the difference between the two?
|
#2
|
|||
|
|||
astronomy or astrophysics?
"Sitav" wrote:
Whats the difference between the two? Very, very, crudely: astronomy is the scientific study of celestial bodies and the universe. Astrophysics is a branch of astronomy which concerns itself with the internal structures,physical properties and evolution of celestial bodies and with the production and expenditure of energy in the universe as a whole. These days there is much blurring and overlap and the definition is not sharp between the two disciplines. Eugene L Griessel It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
astronomy or astrophysics?
On 27 Jan 2007 09:40:40 -0800, "Sitav" wrote:
Whats the difference between the two? Professionally, very little these days. Astronomy includes the observation and study of astronomical objects without necessarily delving into the underlying physics describing them, but that is really something reserved for amateurs. I don't know any professional astronomers who don't consider themselves physicists. _________________________________________________ Chris L Peterson Cloudbait Observatory http://www.cloudbait.com |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
astronomy or astrophysics?
I don't know any professional astronomers who don't consider themselves physicists. And how many is that? |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
astronomy or astrophysics?
On Sat, 27 Jan 2007 18:10:01 GMT, "micky" wrote:
And how many is that? A few hundred, I guess. _________________________________________________ Chris L Peterson Cloudbait Observatory http://www.cloudbait.com |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
astronomy or astrophysics?
Chris L Peterson wrote:
On 27 Jan 2007 09:40:40 -0800, "Sitav" wrote: Whats the difference between the two? Professionally, very little these days. Astronomy includes the observation and study of astronomical objects without necessarily delving into the underlying physics describing them, but that is really something reserved for amateurs. I don't know any professional astronomers who don't consider themselves physicists. Yes - I guess the days of the professional - shall we call it - "starmapper" are over. That work is largely being done by automated processes. Celestial mechanics and astrophysics is where the professional interest now lies. Eugene L Griessel Unless the need is mutual to all parties involved, your solutions to problems are pragmatic not ethical. |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
astronomy or astrophysics?
Chris L Peterson wrote:
I don't know any professional astronomers who don't consider themselves physicists. I know quite a few. The observational astronomer is not dead yet. In fact, almost none of the astronomers I know would lower themselves to being called mere physicists. ;-) Perhaps what you meant is that there is very little difference between the two terms, which is quite true. "Astrophysics" is a term invented by physics department heads who looked down on mere astronomers as lowly observers (not real scientists like them) but wanted to have an astronomy division within their department. The advanced degrees they hand out (after a very protracted period that involves removing the very souls of their students) are physics degrees with an emphasis on astronomy, thus "astrophysics." It's really too bad. The much "nicer" astronomy culture is slowly being destroyed by the ugly culture of physics, which tends to value all the wrong things in scientists (IMHO). Before anyone thinks I'm biased because I consider myself one or the other, consider that I hold advanced degrees in both disciplines. Back to the original question. How do you tell the difference between an astronomer and a physicist? The answer is simple: walk the halls after 6 PM. The people who are still there hard at work, doing what they love--those are the astronomers. The physicists went home at 5. Clear skies, Greg -- Greg Crinklaw Astronomical Software Developer Cloudcroft, New Mexico, USA (33N, 106W, 2700m) SkyTools: http://www.skyhound.com/cs.html Observing: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/skyhound.html Comets: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/comets.html To reply take out your eye |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
astronomy or astrophysics?
"Chris L Peterson" wrote in message ... On Sat, 27 Jan 2007 18:10:01 GMT, "micky" wrote: And how many is that? A few hundred, I guess. You mean to say that personally know a few hundred astronomers/physicists? Come on now. |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
astronomy or astrophysics?
On Sat, 27 Jan 2007 23:59:13 GMT, "micky" wrote:
You mean to say that personally know a few hundred astronomers/physicists? Come on now. I probably know a couple of dozen very well, and a couple of hundred others that I communicate with and meet occasionally at conferences. _I'm_ an astronomer/physicist... it's hardly surprising that these are the people I know. _________________________________________________ Chris L Peterson Cloudbait Observatory http://www.cloudbait.com |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
astronomy or astrophysics?
"Chris L Peterson" wrote in message ... On Sat, 27 Jan 2007 23:59:13 GMT, "micky" wrote: You mean to say that personally know a few hundred astronomers/physicists? Come on now. I probably know a couple of dozen very well, and a couple of hundred others that I communicate with and meet occasionally at conferences. _I'm_ an astronomer/physicist... it's hardly surprising that these are the people I know. _________________________________________________ Chris L Peterson Cloudbait Observatory http://www.cloudbait.com For my own curiosity -- these professional astronomers/astrophysicists that you know or are acquainted with -- do all/some/most/a few/none of them have their own scopes at home that they drag out into the backyard for a look at Jupiter, or, are they beyond that?? I ask because it seems as though once one dives into the realm of serious science, backyard astronomy might seem tame. Or maybe they just don't have the time. Thanks. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
[sci.astro] Astrophysics (Astronomy Frequently Asked Questions) (4/9) | [email protected] | Astronomy Misc | 0 | May 3rd 06 12:34 PM |
[sci.astro] Astrophysics (Astronomy Frequently Asked Questions) (4/9) | [email protected] | Astronomy Misc | 0 | October 6th 05 02:36 AM |
On line "Handbook of Space Astronomy and Astrophysics " | Robin Leadbeater | UK Astronomy | 5 | June 4th 05 12:51 PM |
International Workshop on Astronomy and Relativistic Astrophysics - Proceedings | YH Khoo | Research | 0 | October 5th 04 10:26 AM |
[sci.astro] Astrophysics (Astronomy Frequently Asked Questions) (4/9) | [email protected] | Astronomy Misc | 0 | September 30th 04 02:24 AM |