What are the Major Areas of Research?

Astrophysics covers a wide range of research areas, including but not limited to:

Stellar Astrophysics: This involves studying the life cycles of stars, from their formation in nebulae to their demise as white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes.
Cosmology: This area focuses on the origin, evolution, and eventual fate of the universe. Topics include the Big Bang Theory, dark matter, and dark energy.
Planetary Science: This involves the study of planets, moons, and planetary systems, including those beyond our own solar system.
Galactic Astronomy: This examines the structure and components of galaxies, as well as their interactions and evolution.