celestial physics
/səˈlɛs.tʃəl ˈfɪz.ɪks/ · cel·es·tial phys·ics
noun
- The branch of physics that studies the physical properties, dynamics, and processes of celestial bodies and phenomena such as stars, planets, galaxies, and the interstellar medium. Celestial physics explains why the Sun emits a steady stream of charged particles known as the solar wind.
- A systematic investigation of the forces and interactions governing the motion and evolution of objects in space. Her research in celestial physics focuses on the gravitational waves produced by merging black holes.
Synonyms
astronomical physicsastrophysicscosmic physicsspace physicsstellar physicsplanetary physicsextragalactic physicsheliophysics
Antonyms
Did you know? The term "celestial physics" was popularized by the 1930s series of lectures at the Royal Astronomical Society, which later inspired the first dedicated textbook on the subject.