Astrophysics is Easy!: An Introduction for the Amateur Astronomer (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series)

By Mike Inglis

Book Overview

Astrophysics is often - with some justification - regarded as incomprehensible without at least degree-level mathematics. Consequently, many amateur astronomers skip the math, and miss out on the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1852338903
• ISBN13: 9781852338909
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: Springer
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.5" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

Intended to help the amateur astronomer take a step into the physics of astronomy

This is a great little book. Whenever I give a talk on my astrophysics research (in high energy cosmic rays and neutrinos) to the amateur astronomers, I mention this book as a good step for expanding their knowledge of the science underlying their hobby. Professional and amateur astronomy are a long distance apart, though many scientists got interested in science first from looking at the skies. This book helps bridge the gap somewhat.

Got your telescope? Your binoculars? Your two eyes? Well, point them UP

Astrophysics (or at least a general introduction to it) really IS easy with this friendly book geared toward amateur astronomers. An introduction to the heavens, cobbled together with science and telescope viewing tips, doesn't sound much like a romantic outing but believe me, halfway through the book you'll begin lusting for a telescope. The author's enthusiasm is infectious. The text proceeds incrementally, and basic concepts are repeated often, so you'll be dropping terms like "Cepheid variable", "Roche lobe" and "type II supernova" at the breakfast table before you know it. A word, though, about the Kindle addition. ANY text like this comes with pictures, diagrams, etc---and the Kindle (at least the small one) just isn't the right medium for them. I found myself frustrated often as I pressed sys, wormed the cursor over pictures, then sat very still trying to enlarge. It's not the Kindle's fault--I knew it'd be a problem, and now I don't have this great book on paper. Next time I'll remember to confine my Kindle purchaces strictly to novels.

Excellent Resource

This book is exactly what we needed to study for a non-calculus based astronomy exam. Broad coverage combined with detailed mathematical calculations plus informative text makes this the best book on the market. There are many introductory astronomy texts that are also excellent but less mathematical, so get one of those too, but use this for help with astronomy problem solving.

Good for amateurs

Being an amateur astronomer, I was hoping for a book that would bring me to the astrophysics section as most of my astronomy books are all guide books for beginners. I am pleased that the book was delivered on time. The author was also very enthusiastic about the topic and presented astrophysics, usually known to many as a difficult and tedious topic in a light manner. The math used is only to a small extent but the important parts are kept. It is relatively easy to understand and it can serve as an introduction to those wanting to take astronomy courses. I recommend this book to those wanting to pursue astronomy at a higher level. Astrophysics is Easy!: An Introduction for the Amateur Astronomer (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series)

Concise Introduction to Astrophysics

Don't let the size of this book fool you. It is packed with useful information and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about what they see in the night sky. Each section of the book has example objects to view...I really like that aspect of this book. Don't be concerned about too much technical/mathematical detail. The material is presented in a way that's "meaty" and concise which makes it easy to get the most out of it. Prior to reading this book I read a college level astronomy text and several amateur astronomy books. I would say this is an important addition to any amateur astronomer's bookshelf. The material is up to date and well presented.