The word “astrophysics” is a combination of two Latin-derived words: astro, which means “star,” and phisis, whichmeans “nature.“
Thus, astrophysics can be defined as a branch of astronomy which is concerned with the study of universe (i.e., stars, galaxies, and planets) using the laws of physics.
What Is the Difference Between and Astrophysicist and an Astronomer?
Technically speaking, astronomers only measure the positions and characteristics of celestial bodies, whereas astrophysicists use the application physics to understand astronomy.
However, the terms are now used interchangeably, since all astronomers use physics to conduct their research.
PHYSICS 