Astronomy
The science of astronomy and astrophysics involves the study of
matter and radiation in the universe and the attempt to understand
observations through the laws of physics. Modern astronomical
instruments reveal a great variety of objects, scarcely imagined
a few decades ago, including X-ray binary stars, pulsars, and quasars.
Astronomical phenomena exhibit an extreme range of physical conditions,
from superfluid neutrons in neutron stars, high-temperature nuclear
reactions in supernovae, and strong gravitational fields near black
holes, to the unique state of the universe during its earliest phases.
Theoretical attempts to describe these phenomena have achieved a
useful understanding in many cases, though our overall knowledge of
the universe is still incomplete.
Through
the development of new technologies, both on the ground and in space,
there have been many important astronomical discoveries during the past
few decades, making astronomy one of the most exciting of the scientific
fields. Researchers employ the very latest in electronic imaging devices,
giant arrays of radio antennas spread over entire continents, space
observatories and complex space probes. We are now able to study astronomical
objects not just with visible light, but with radio waves, infrared light,
X-ray, and gamma-ray light. These new astronomical windows have led to such
discoveries as spinning neutron stars (pulsars), quasars in the centers of
galaxies, remnant radiation from the Big Bang, the gravitational lensing of
objects, and the enigmatic gamma-ray bursters.
In
addition to graduate work, research in industry, or careers in teaching,
a major in astronomy is also suitable preparation for journalism, business,
law, or government.
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