The thermonuclear astrophysics is a specific branch of physics that studies the celestial bodies and the release of energy that comes from them, produced through nuclear fusion. It is also known as nuclear astrophysics.
This science is born with the assumption that the laws of physics and chemistry that are known today are true and universal.
Thermonuclear astrophysics is a theoretical-experimental science on a reduced scale, since most of the space and planetary phenomena have been studied but not verified in the scale that involves the planets and the universe.
The main objects of study of this science are the stars, the gaseous clouds and the cosmic dust, reason why it is intertwined closely with the astronomy.
It could even be said that it was born of astronomy. Its main premise has been to answer the questions of the origin of the universe, although its commercial or economic interest is in the energy field.
Applications of thermonuclear astrophysics
1- Photometry
It is the basic science of astrophysics that is responsible for measuring the amount of light emitted by stars.
When stars form and become dwarfs, they begin to emit luminosity as a result of the heat and energy produced within them.
Within the stars they produce nuclear fusions of various chemical elements like helium, iron and hydrogen, all according to the stage or sequence of life in which those stars are found.
As a result, the stars vary in size and color. From the Earth only a white light spot is perceived, but the stars have more colors; its luminosity does not allow the human eye to capture them.
Thanks to photometry and to the theoretical part of thermonuclear astrophysics, the life phases of several known stars have been established, increasing understanding about the universe and its chemical and physical laws.
2- Nuclear fusion
Space is the natural place for thermonuclear reactions, since the stars (including the Sun) are the celestial bodies protagonists.
In nuclear fusion two protons approach to such an extent that they manage to overcome the electrical repulsion and unite, releasing electromagnetic radiation.
This process is recreated in the nuclear power plants of the planet, in order to maximize the release of electromagnetic radiation and the caloric or thermal energy resulting from such fusion.
3- The formulation of the Big Bang theory
Some experts assert that this theory is part of physical cosmology; however, it also covers the field of study of thermonuclear astrophysics.
The Big Bang is a theory, not a law, so it still finds problems in its theoretical approaches. Nuclear astrophysics supports it, but it also contradicts it.
The non-alignment of this theory with the second principle of thermodynamics is its main point of divergence.
This principle says that physical phenomena are irreversible; consequently, the entropy can not be stopped.
Although this goes hand in hand with the notion that the universe is constantly expanding, this theory shows that the universal entropy is still very low relative to the theoretical date of birth of the universe, 13.8 billion years ago.
This has led to explaining the Big Bang as a major exception to the laws of physics, thereby weakening its scientific character.
However, much of the Big Bang theory is based on photometry and the physical characteristics and age of the stars, both being fields of study of nuclear astrophysics.
References
- Audouze, J., & Vauclair, S. (2012). An Introduction to Nuclear Astrophysics: The Formation and the Evolution of Matter in the Universe. Paris-London: Springer Science & Business Media.
- Cameron, A. G., & Kahl, D. M. (2013). Stellar Evolution, Nuclear Astrophysics, and Nucleogenesis. A. G. W. Cameron, David M. Kahl: Courier Corporation.
- Ferrer Soria, A. (2015). Nuclear and particle physics. Valencia: Universitat de València.
- Lozano Leyva, M. (2002). The cosmos in the palm of the hand. Barcelona: Debols!
- Marian Celnikier, L. (2006). Find a Hotter Place!: A History of Nuclear Astrophysics. London: World Scientific.