Theoretical astronomy

Nucleosynthesis

• Stellar nucleosynthesis
• Big Bang nucleosynthesis
• Supernova nucleosynthesis
• Cosmic ray spallation
Related topics
• Astrophysics
• Nuclear fusion
• R-process
• S-process
• Nuclear fission
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Main article: Theoretical astronomy
Theoretical astronomers use several tools including analytical models and computational numerical
simulations; each has its particular advantages. Analytical models of a process are better for giving broader
insight into the heart of what is going on. Numerical models reveal the existence of phenomena and effects
otherwise unobserved.[62][63]
Theorists in astronomy endeavor to create theoretical models and from the results predict observational
consequences of those models. The observation of a phenomenon predicted by a model allows
astronomers to select between several alternate or conflicting models as the one best able to describe the
phenomena.
Theorists also try to generate or modify models to take into account new data. In the case of an
inconsistency between the data and model's results, the general tendency is to try to make minimal
modifications to the model so that it produces results that fit the data. In some cases, a large amount of
inconsistent data over time may lead to total abandonment of a model.
Phenomena modeled by theoretical astronomers include: stellar dynamics and evolution; galaxy
formation; large-scale distribution of matter in the Universe; origin of cosmic rays; general
relativity and physical cosmology, including string cosmology and astroparticle physics. Astrophysical
relativity serves as a tool to gauge the properties of large scale structures for which gravitation plays a
significant role in physical phenomena investigated and as the basis for black hole (astro)physics and the
study of gravitational waves.
Some widely accepted and studied theories and models in astronomy, now included in the Lambda-CDM
model are the Big Bang, dark matter and fundamental theories of physics.
A few examples of this process:

Physical process Experimental tool Theoretical model Explains/predicts

 Self-gravitating
Gravitation Radio telescopes Emergence of a star system
system
How the stars shine and
Nuclear fusion Spectroscopy Stellar evolution
how metals formed
Hubble Space
The Big Bang Expanding universe Age of the Universe
Telescope, COBE
Quantum
Cosmic inflation Flatness problem
fluctuations
Gravitational Black holes at the center
X-ray astronomy General relativity
collapse of Andromeda Galaxy
The dominant source of energy for
CNO cycle in stars
massive star.
Along with Cosmic inflation, dark matter and dark energy are the current leading topics in astronomy,[64] as
their discovery and controversy originated during the study of the galaxies.