Astrophysics is a captivating field that delves into the fundamental workings of the universe. The rising popularity of science and scientists in media, such as the choice of astrophysicist Dr. Matt Agnew for The Bachelor Australia, has sparked curiosity about this profession. But what exactly is an astrophysicist? Let’s explore this exciting area of science.
Astrophysicists study the cosmos, including galaxies, planets, stars, black holes, and asteroids. According to Dr. Rebecca Allen and Renee Spiewak from Swinburne’s Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, they explore the universe’s origins, evolution, and potential future.
“An astrophysicist might look back to the beginning of the universe and try to understand how it formed, and some astrophysicists might even try to predict how the universe will end,” says Ms. Spiewak. This quest to understand our place in the universe drives much of the research in astrophysics.
“For as long as we have looked up in the night sky, we have always wondered what is out there, how does it work and what does it mean,” says Dr. Allen. “Astrophysicists seek the answer to these questions about our universe and help us understand our place in it.”
How to Become an Astrophysicist
A career in astrophysics demands dedication and rigorous academic preparation. Dr. Allen emphasizes the importance of hard work, a thirst for knowledge, and strong problem-solving skills. Aspiring astrophysicists need to demonstrate their scientific understanding to the broader scientific community.
Ms. Spiewak outlines the typical educational path: a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Astronomy, Physics, or Engineering, followed by a Master’s degree or a PhD in Astrophysics.
Astrophysics vs. Astronomy
While the terms are often used interchangeably, astronomy and astrophysics are distinct. Dr. Allen explains that astronomers primarily observe the night sky and collect data about celestial objects. Astrophysicists, according to Ms. Spiewak, go further by analyzing this data using physics to develop a comprehensive understanding of the universe.
In essence, astrophysics builds upon astronomical observations, applying physical laws and theories to interpret the data and construct models of the cosmos.
Astrophysics vs. Astrology: Separating Science from Pseudoscience
It’s important to differentiate astrophysics from astrology. Dr. Allen notes that astrology attempts to assign meaning to human lives based on the positions and movements of celestial bodies. This contrasts sharply with the scientific methodology of astrophysics.
Ms. Spiewak emphasizes that while the stars may not directly influence our daily lives, they played a crucial role in our origin.
Swinburne’s Contributions to Astrophysics
Swinburne University has made substantial contributions to astrophysics. Dr. Adam Deller and Dr. Ryan Shannon were part of a team that precisely located a fast radio burst (FRB), a brief but powerful cosmic radio wave emission. Using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), the team pinpointed the FRB to a galaxy nearly 4 billion light-years away.
Dr. Deller also contributed to refining the measurement of the universe’s expansion rate, using gravitational waves from star collisions to improve the accuracy of the Hubble constant. This constant is critical for determining the age and size of the universe. These discoveries highlight the ongoing advancements and the significant role of institutions like Swinburne in pushing the boundaries of astrophysical knowledge.
