Astrophysics For Dummies

by Cynthia Phillips, Shana Priwer

Discover the undiscovered with this jargon-free introduction to astrophysics Astronomy is the study of what you see in the sky. Physics is the study of how things work. Astrophysics is the study of how things in the sky work, from large objects to tiny particles. Astrophysics For Dummies breaks it all down for you, making this difficult but fascinating topic accessible to anyone. Tracking the topics covered in a typical undergraduate astrophysics class, this book will teach you the essential pieces to understanding our universe. Get ready to launch into outer space with this ever-changing branch of science. Students in introductory astrophysics courses and would-be astronomy buffs who want to better understand the mechanics of the universe will love Astrophysics For Dummies .

Genres: Science, Astronomy, Space

400 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2024

Reviews

[Boyce McClain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever looked into the night sky and wondered? Are you awestruck by the number of stars?

Take it one step further and imagine the stars we see from earth are only a fraction of what can be seen outside of earth's atmosphere.
Even more amazing is that by using advanced orbital telescopes we can see millions (trillions) more and many of those bright spots in the sky are millions (trillions) of galaxies. And that is just what we can see.

Now imagine a universe that never ends, that contains an untold number of galaxies and mysteries we cannot imagine.

Some people believe it was created by a big bang-something from nothing. As a Christian I believe God created it all by speaking it in existence.

Is there life on other planets? No one knows. Do the laws of nature apply across the expanse of cosmos? Again, no one knows.

How can we as beings with finite minds possible comprehend and understand the infinite?

But, I’m getting ahead of myself. For a more ‘down-to-earth’ examination of the universe we can observe astronomy and physics collide to create astrophysics-the study of the stars, planets and beyond.

In simple-to-understand lingo the book Astrophysics For Dummies, from Wiley Brands and written Cynthia Phillips, PhD and Shana Priwer, delves into the how, why, when and where of the universe, star mechanics, fusion, extraterrestrial life, galaxies, stars, dark energy, relativity and new discoveries.

Think of it as an atlas to the universe- a road map to the stars and an invitation to explore.

1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

[Robert Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astrophysics for Dummies by Cynthia Phillips covers a wide range of topics including a basic introduction to physics, astronomy, star formation and galaxies. The book covers galaxies, exoplanets and dark matter and energy. The universe is broken down to 30 per cent dark matter, 60 percent dark energy and about 10 per cent matter. Dark matter is matter that does not emit or reflex light. It is only examined indirectly as it does influence matter. Dark energy is what is pushing the galaxies apart in the night sky. If we are only able to see about 10 percent of the night sky where is the other 90 percent? Finally, the book discusses cosmology and explains the big bang theory and how the cosmos might end. The book has diagrams within it and some color photos as well. Finally, the book has a glossary of terms in the back. Just a sidenote, there are equations and an explanation of what they mean. There are no mathematical examples in the book. Astrophysics for Dummies is a nice addition for amateur astronomers,