Astrophysics is a branch of astronomy that employs the principles of physics to study celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and the physical processes that occur in the universe. It investigates the composition, dynamics, and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the intergalactic medium. Key areas of study include the extreme physics of stellar interiors, general relativity as applied to massive gravitational bodies, and the mechanisms governing the formation and distribution of elements in the cosmos. Through the analysis of electromagnetic radiation, such as light, radio waves, and X-rays, astrophysicists deduce physical properties, allowing for the mapping of the universe's structure and temporal development.