Astroparticle physics, the same as particle astrophysics, is that branch of particle physics that studies elementary particles of astronomical origin, and their relation to astrophysics and cosmology. It is a relatively new field of research emerging at the intersection of particle physics, astronomy, and cosmology. Partly motivated by the historic discovery of neutrino oscillations, the field is undergoing remarkable development, both theoretically and experimentally, over the last decade.
Astroparticle physics aims to answer fundamental questions such as:
Its rapid development has led to the design of new types of infrastructure. In underground laboratories or with specially designed telescopes, antennas and satellite experiments, astroparticle physicists employ new detection methods to observe a wide range of cosmic particles including neutrinos, gamma rays and cosmic rays at the highest energies. They are also searching for dark matter and gravitational waves.
The most active topics in astroparticle physics are:
Facilities, experiments and laboratories involved in astroparticle physics include