Astronomy and Astrophysics

This focus area involves knowledge of the fundamental processes of radiation and dynamics for the study of the structure and composition of the Solar System, other planetary systems, stars and stellar systems, galaxies, and the structure and evolution of matter and cosmology. Researchers in this field use a variety of observational methods, data analysis techniques and theoretical models to characterize the physical and dynamical states of celestial objects, determine formation history and predict future evolution. Researchers also use physics and chemistry knowledge to conduct observational, experimental and theoretical studies and modeling of stars, nebulae, galaxies, and systems of stars and galaxies, and of circumstellar, interstellar and intergalactic media, particles, molecules and radiation fields, in all electromagnetic wavelength ranges. Included in this field is the study of specialty areas such as Gamma Ray & X-Ray Astronomy and Cosmic Ray Astrophysics, in which electromagnetic waves, x-ray emissions and cosmic ray particles provide data for examining the content, structure, origin and evolution of space elements.

NASA Centers that are focused on Astronomy and Astrophysics:

• Glenn Research Center (GRC), Cleveland, Ohio
• Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Greenbelt, Maryland
• Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, California
• Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama

Related Links:

• Science@NASA - Astronomy
• NASA Science
• Goddard Space Flight Center
• Solar System Exploration
• GSFC's Astrophysics Science Division
• NASA Science - Astrophysics
• Science & Mission Systems Office at Marshall Space Flight Center