How can we be confident about universal properties, or anything for that matter, in astrophysics when we can’t actually do experiments on stars, distant planets, etc. ?

Question

How can we be confident about universal properties, or anything for that matter, in astrophysics when we can’t actually do experiments on stars, distant planets, etc. ?

In: 63

Answer 1

When you study physics, you’re assuming that there is physics to be studied. If we’re just noticing coincidences in our measurements and calling them physical principles, the problem is a lot closer to home than stars and distant planets.