Astrophysical Processes Vocabulary

noun a disk of matter that forms around a celestial object, such as a star or black hole, due to gravitational forces

• An accretion disk is a structure formed by diffuse material in orbital motion around a massive central body.
• The accretion disk around the black hole is like a giant cosmic carousel.
• Dude, did you see that sick accretion disk around the star? It's lit!
• Her mind was like a swirling accretion disk, constantly taking in new information and ideas.

noun A branch of physics that deals with the properties of the atmosphere and the interaction of the atmosphere with solid bodies moving through it.

• Aerophysics is the branch of physics that deals with the properties and behavior of gases in motion, especially in relation to aircraft.
• Studying aerophysics can help us understand how airplanes fly through the air.
• I never thought aerophysics could be so interesting until I took that class.
• Mastering aerophysics is like unlocking the secrets of the sky.