ScienceJuly 15, 2026

radiophysics

/ˌreɪdiəʊˈfɪzɪks/

Definition

The branch of physics concerned with the study of electromagnetic radiation and its interactions with matter, particularly in the context of astronomical research.

Etymology

The word is a hybrid formation, combining the Latin 'radius' (ray/beam) with the Greek 'physis' (nature), which entered English to describe the scientific study of radiation.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the research center at Cornell University that recruited Carl Sagan, highlighting the department's focus on space science.

Carl Sagan was denied tenure at Harvard in the late 1960s, reportedly for being too public a scientist; Cornell hired him and named him David Duncan Professor of Astronomy and Space Sciences

Read the full article ↗

Space Daily

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