What type of physics is used in astronomy?

Different fields of astronomy will use different types of physics. In general, you need to know Classical and Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Thermodynamics as an astronomer/astrophysicist. read more

The main type of physics that is used in astronomy is most likely classical physics with additions from relativistic physics. Classical physics deals with mainly forces, motion, and gravity. read more

Physics and Astronomy. Isaac Newton provided one of the first examples of the link between physics and astronomy in the 17th century, when he reasoned that the force of gravity which pulls objects to the Earth is the same force which keeps the Earth and other planets in orbit around the sun. read more

Historically, astronomy has focused on observations of heavenly bodies. It is a close cousin to astrophysics. Succinctly put, astrophysics involves the study of the physics of astronomy and concentrates on the behavior, properties and motion of objects out there. read more

In some cases, as in the introduction of the introductory textbook The Physical Universe by Frank Shu,"astronomy" may be used to describe the qualitative study of the subject, whereas"astrophysics" is used to describe the physics-oriented version of the subject. read more