Astrophysics, General Relativity and Cosmology
Astrophysics is a science that employs the methods and principles of physics and chemistry in the study of astronomical objects and phenomena. Faculty at Cornell explore a wide variety of phenomena through theory, analysis and the development of new experimental/observational techniques, including: neutron stars, black holes, gravitational waves, dark matter, dark energy, the cosmic microwave background and inflation in the early universe.
Not only does astrophysics involve a high level of physics knowledge, it is also interdisciplinary. From experimental astronomy to theoretical cosmology, a highly specialized skill set is practiced in research.
Research
Astrophysics theory is researched in the labs listed in these pages:
- Astrophysics, General Relativity and Cosmology
- Black Holes and Neutron Stars
- Cosmology and the Distant Universe
Courses
Per the physics/astronomy yellow book, the following courses are strongly recommended:
- PHYS 6553 General Relativity
- PHYS 6561 Classical Electrodynamics
- ASTRO 6511 Physics of Black Holes, White Dwarfs and Neutron Stars
- ASTRO 6516 Galactic Structure and Stellar Dynamics
- ASTRO 6530 Astrophysical Processes