![Galaxy](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPrUfzkQmIU/U85igS3rZEI/AAAAAAAAAGU/DNeB-Nw1ml8/s1600/Universe+1.jpg)
In practice, modern astronomical research often involves a substantial amount of work in the realms of theoretical and observational physics. Some areas of study for astrophysicists include their attempts to determine: the properties of dark matter, dark energy, and black holes; whether or not time travel is possible, wormholes can form, or the multiverse exists; and the origin and ultimate fate of the universe.