Population synthesis is a method for numerical simulation of the population of objects with a complex evolution. This method is widely used in astrophysics. We consider its main applications to studying astronomical objects. Examples of modeling evolution are given for populations of close binaries and isolated neutron stars. The application of the method to studying active galactic nuclei and the integral spectral characteristics of galaxies is briefly discussed. An extensive bibliography on all the topics covered is provided.

PACS: 97.10.−q, 97.60.Jd, 97.80.−d (all) DOI: 10.1070/PU2007v050n11ABEH006179 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2007/11/b/ 000253900700002 2-s2.0-40449120542 2007PhyU...50.1123P Citation: Popov S B, Prokhorov M E "Population synthesis in astrophysics" Phys. Usp. 50 1123–1146 (2007) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Попов С Б, Прохоров М Е «Популяционный синтез в астрофизике» УФН 177 1179–1206 (2007); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0177.200711b.1179