Overview of astrophysics: theory and development

Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Background and Definition
Ever since I was a little kid, the subject of astrophysics has been a captivating field to me.
Generally speaking, its aims are to explore infinite space and involves the study of all the physics,
chemistry, maths and so on. To overview the learning of astrophysics, it could be divided into
different aspects of studies. The first and the most fundamental branch is the study of stars,
which are the sparkling objects that illuminate the night sky. Learning a star includes the steps to
explore their composition, their environment, their mass and also the most essential one, their
life cycle.

The study of galaxies usually comes after the stars, it is a system of stars, stellar remnants,
interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter formed by the collapse and rotation of clouds due to
gravity. The existing Galaxy is usually quite huge among the whole universe and is exciting to
explore it deep down. Cosmology, which is about the evolution of the whole universe, from the
existence of the Big Bang theory, till now, and even the future of space development, is also
considerably a main section of astrophysics. Learning cosmology helps people to define and
organize their understanding of space more thoroughly.

Next topic will be the black holes, which is the most interesting and mysterious part in the study
of astrophysics. There is no time and space inside the black hole for its event horizon, and not a
single one would be able to escape from the holes. Scientists and scholars have put a lot of effort
into the study of black holes, but still, a lot of details of black holes are yet to be explored. Then,
the exoplanets. They are planets that orbit stars outside the solar system. The professionals
often measure their planet's inner conditions to determine and predict the lives outside the
Earth.

Astrophysics is a subject that requires high tech instruments to carry out investigations and
experiments. Tools such as telescopes and all kinds of ray’s emitter play a pivotal role in
collecting data and have a guarantee in the accuracy of them. Although some theories have not
been developed very completely, as long as they are being caught and found by humans, it could
be a big contribution to other branches of studies.

1.2 Development of astrophysics

With the wisdom of humans, and due to the advanced in technology, new theories and
observations are brought out through different stages of history by different people, and the
evolution of astrophysics has always been interesting and exciting to research.
In 17-18th century, Isaac Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation were formulated. This
is one of the most essential, or the roots of further exploration of the dynamics and kinematic of
planets in universe.

Discovery of Stellar Spectra and the birth of astrophysics, which sets the basis of the
comprehension of composition of stars. It is brought out by Gustav Kirchhoff and Robert Bunsen
in 19th century when they were working on spectral line. One of the most significant
developments in the past record of the astrophysics will be the birth of the Einstein’s Theory of
Relativity and Black Holes in the 20th century. It did revolutionize humans’ understanding of
space, time, and gravity, it challenged the traditional definitions towards the term ‘space and
time’. In the late 20th century till now, the idea of Dark Matter, Dark Energy and Cosmological
Discoveries were established.

In this essay, theoretical astrophysics will be the main research method. This way of study mainly
utilizes a large variety of measuring devices and computational data. The analytical and
numerical models could provide a presentation of the effects that would have been covered
previously. Theorists also use these models to figure out the consequences.

A lot of major branches of astrophysics studies are studied by theoretical astrophysics. Topics like
stellar and galaxy formation, dynamics and evolution, physical cosmology all depends on this
method. In addition, it could be used as a useful pathway to measure objects with numerous
properties. Astrophysics is always considered as one of the most important and most
contributed subjects among the entire human race and it enables people to know more about
the outer space.

Take dark matter and dark energy as an example, although the topic has been hard to observed
as dark matter and dark energy is so dark that could not be observed. However, as long as the
research is carrying out, there will be new useful knowledges to the world. Exploring those
mysterious objects not only advanced our understanding of the fundamental cosmology.

1.3 The significance of study

The black hole, a space phenomenon that has intrigued humans for several decades, continues
to challenge the unknown of the universe from the site of the people. Electing to embark on this
research topic provides me the excitement of diving deep into space. The observation of the
black hole involves the combination of galactic dynamics, supernova occurrences, gravitational
interactions, and the evolutionary trajectories of stars. By getting to know the comprehension of
the black holes, I could access a more thorough and general picture of the whole outer space.

The theory of relativity is usually the most fascinating theory. It is a theory that was established
by Albert Einstein at the beginning of the 20 th century and was widespread after the publication.
The theory of relativity could usually be divided into two categories specifically——the general
relativity and the special relativity. The general theory is based on observing the relationship
between matter and time in space, or matter causes space to curve; while special relativity,
similar to general relativity, mainly focuses on light, time and space. The theory is undoubtedly
difficult to understand, but it appeals to people who are willing to work through its intricacies. In
the face of this difficulty, scientists develop models by incorporating data into their research
techniques. Relativity's effects are felt across the universe and have an impact on important
areas of astrophysics. The theory offers a basic framework for building models that clarify the
complexities of celestial bodies in the study of star dynamics and evolution. Similarly, the
concepts of relativity provide insights into the cosmic processes that shape these enormous
structures over enormous epochs of time in the study of galaxy creation and evolution.

Furthermore, the theory is applied in the field of magnetohydrodynamics, which helps scientists
understand how electrically conducting fluids, such as plasmas, behave. Here, relativity directs
our understanding of magnetic fields' interactions with celestial bodies, providing the keys to
understanding basic aspects of cosmic processes. Essentially, the theoretical investigations in
astrophysics, rooted in the deep principles of relativity, not only test the mind but also function
as vital instruments for deciphering the secrets of the cosmos, influencing the course of
contemporary astrophysical study.

My personal interest in the space was formed during the formative years, during my 6th grade. I
particularly focused on the black hole due to NASA's depiction of it several years ago. Thus, the
factors that trigger me to investigate deeper into this topic would be the sense of incentive for
me to explain what I was fanatic about during my childhood. My personal connection to this
cosmic phenomenon serves as a powerful incentive, driving me to explore and understand it
more profoundly. Investigating black holes has become a way for me to articulate and share the
childhood fascination that sparked my interest in space. This personal journey not only
symbolizes my enduring curiosity but also represents a bridge between my past wonderment
and my present commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the universe.