What is the difference in studying physics vs astronomy?

Struggling to decide whether to study astronomy or physics? Discover how the two similar subjects compare. read more

Historically, astronomy was more observational while physics was theoretical and experimental. Astrophysics then referred to the more theoretical side of astronomy, or the more astronomical side of physics. read more

As a Physicist, I would be expected to say that Astronomy is a branch of Physics (like Chemistry :-). But Astronomers would protest, fairly enough, that their discipline has its own focus, style, traditions and culture. read more

The second, and more unfortunate, difference is in a trend across many departments: physics departments typically have significantly lower percentages of female faculty, graduate students, and undergrads than astronomy departments do. read more