Work

The Astrophysical Thoughts of Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker published two important papers on topics of nuclear astrophysics in 1937 and 1938 before he turned his attention elsewhere motivated by the discovery of fission and the outbreak of war in 1939. It seems, however, that he continued to actively think about issues related to astrophysics, namely the discussion and role of neutron stars and cosmology. Both are contemporary topics today. This paper presents the development of Weizsäcker’s thoughts in the years between 1935 and 1945, making use of his personal notes and letters.

Source: Physics in Perspective

DOI: 10.1007/s00016-025-00325-0

Authors: Michael Wiescher, Karlheinz Langanke

Institutions: University of Notre Dame, GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research

Language: English

Topic: History and Developments in Astronomy

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,290

Funders: University of Washington, Emberi Eroforrások Minisztériuma, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung