Astronomy and Astrophysics

Scientists learn about the universe by collecting electromagnetic radiation and cosmic particles that travel to the Earth.  From these clues we can study the nature of celestial objects.  We try to understand the physics, origin, composition, and evolution of the largest structures in the universe by observing some of the smallest particles in the universe!

The VUB Astronomy and Astrophysics department is involved in research at the forefront of the field.  We study the origins of cosmic rays, which tell us about the most energetic events in the universe (thousands of times more energy than man-made experiments can produce).  We observe and model radio galaxies with supermassive black holes at their centers.  We look for elusive dark matter by studying the movement of the gaseous components of galaxies.  Ground and space based telescopes are used to study matter ejected from dying stars, and we model the movements of young starts that have densities high enough to form black holes.  

Get involved in this exciting field by getting a Bachelor’s of Master’s degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics.  Specialised courses are offered each semester, along with lab classes that give students an opportunity to make their own astronomical observations.  Learn more at http://we.vub.ac.be/en/astronomy-and-astrophysics/education.