ASTROCHEMISTRY
Astronomy borders on physics and chemistry because, basically, it attempts to understand
the structure, formation, and behavior of the universe. Physics again plays an important role
in describing basic forces that drive the bodies in space: gravity, electromagnetism, and
nuclear forces. All these principles help explain the formation and interaction of planets,
stars, galaxies, and black holes. For example, Newton's law of universal gravitation and
Einstein's general theory of relativity explain the movements of the heavenly bodies and the
curvatures of space-time.
Chemistry gives the elaboration of these through the explanation of the composition of
matter in space. In doing this, by means of spectroscopy, the astronomers analyze light
emitted or absorbed by a celestial object to determine what chemical is present. It helps in
understanding stellar life cycles-from nuclear processes inside stars, that forge heavier
elements down to chemical reactions in interstellar clouds where new stars and planets are
born.
By taking all these fields together, astronomers can try to piece together a far more complete
picture of the universe, from subatomic interactions in stellar cores to cosmic structures
shaped by gravity. In essence, the modern astrophysics is performed through a synthesis of
knowledge from physics and chemistry that constitutes the backbone of modern
astrophysics and propels the discovery of origins and destinies concerning the universe.
References: Carroll, B. W., & Ostlie, D. A. (2017). An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics.
Astronomy borders on physics and chemistry because, basically, it attempts to understand
the structure, formation, and behavior of the universe. Physics again plays an important role
in describing basic forces that drive the bodies in space: gravity, electromagnetism, and
nuclear forces. All these principles help explain the formation and interaction of planets,
stars, galaxies, and black holes. For example, Newton's law of universal gravitation and
Einstein's general theory of relativity explain the movements of the heavenly bodies and the
curvatures of space-time.
Chemistry gives the elaboration of these through the explanation of the composition of
matter in space. In doing this, by means of spectroscopy, the astronomers analyze light
emitted or absorbed by a celestial object to determine what chemical is present. It helps in
understanding stellar life cycles-from nuclear processes inside stars, that forge heavier
elements down to chemical reactions in interstellar clouds where new stars and planets are
born.
By taking all these fields together, astronomers can try to piece together a far more complete
picture of the universe, from subatomic interactions in stellar cores to cosmic structures
shaped by gravity. In essence, the modern astrophysics is performed through a synthesis of
knowledge from physics and chemistry that constitutes the backbone of modern
astrophysics and propels the discovery of origins and destinies concerning the universe.
References: Carroll, B. W., & Ostlie, D. A. (2017). An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics.
