For many decades, the universe and its contents have always been focal points of mysteries for every individual. To solve these mysteries, there was a need for an indispensable tool. This laid a strong foundation for the astrophysics course. Astrophysics is the branch of science which deals with the physics of the universe. It also deals with the physical properties and behavior of all heavenly bodies. The course provides information about many diversified features concerned with the heavenly bodies and the universe. The course also includes certain features of heavenly bodies like its nature and constitution, physical condition, effects of real and apparent motions, and the radiations produced due to their attraction. The future developments and the possible history of the heavenly bodies are also studied in detail.

Course Details and Eligibility Criteria

The aspirants can pursue Astrophysics course at graduate and post graduate levels. They can pursue this course at the Ph.D. levels too. The basic requirement of this field is to have a desire to explore and a scientific bent of mind. High aptitude skill is also essential for pursuing astrophysics.

To purse graduation in Astrophysics, the students should complete their 12th with Mathematics and Physics. For pursuing any post graduate course, the aspirants must have completed their graduation in Physics or Mathematics from a recognised university.

The main disciplines of Astrophysics include Statistical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Mechanics, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Electromagnetism, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Relativity, and Thermodynamics.

Institutes in India that offers courses in Astrophysics

Astrophysics provides candidates with ample opportunities in the areas of space research, astrology, and other pertaining streams. Since this field of study has various attractions, several institutes in India provide courses in Astrophysics. A listing of a few institutes is given below.

• Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Madras University
• Indian Institute of Astrophysics
• Osmania University
• Raman Research Institute
• Andhra University
• National Centre for Radio Astronomy
• Indian Institute of Science
• JNTU College of Engineering
• BITS Pilani
• Punjab University

Career Prospects

There are great career opportunities in Astrophysics. Since this field is not much explored, one can go for research programme. There are also opportunities in space research centers like NASA, ISRO, etc. Teaching is also a best option for the candidates in Astrophysics. Today, Astrophysics has a variety of applications in industries that manufacture and control air transport, satellite manufacturing units, etc. The professionals in this field are employed by foreign firms as well. Some more organizations that offer job openings for astrophysicists are listed below.

• Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore
• Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital
• Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune
• Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad
• National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (TIFR), Pune
• Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai
• Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bangalore
• Space Science Centre, ISRO, Kerala

The aspirants can also get jobs in organizations like the Bangalore Amateur Astronomers (ABAA).

Benefits

A fresher in this field will get a starting salary ranging from Rs. 15000/- to Rs.20000/- per month. Government organizations pay a very good salary for the experienced research fellows. So, astrophysics offers a profitable career with higher pay scales to the deserving aspirants.

The best thing about the career is the opportunity to travel and take part in international seminars at distant places. As per the overall view, the course is provided for the sake of educating the students about the mysteries of the universe. This course mainly deals with observational science rather than the experimental science. Moreover, the celestial phenomenon is also discussed and exposed to the common people with the help of this course.