Astrophysics Is Easy!: An Introduction for the Amateur Astronomer

by Michael Inglis

Astrophysics is often –with some justification – regarded as incomprehensible without the use of higher mathematics. Consequently, many amateur astronomers miss out on some of the most fascinating aspects of the subject. Astrophysics Is Easy! cuts through the difficult mathematics and explains the basics of astrophysics in accessible terms. Using nothing more than plain arithmetic and simple examples, the workings of the universe are outlined in a straightforward yet detailed and easy-to-grasp manner.   The original edition of the book was written over eight years ago, and in that time, advances in observational astronomy have led to new and significant changes to the theories of astrophysics. The new theories will be reflected in both the new and expanded chapters.   A unique aspect of this book is that, for each topic under discussion, an observing list is included so that observers can actually see for themselves the concepts presented –stars of the spectral sequence, nebulae, galaxies, even black holes. The observing list has been revised and brought up-to-date in the Second Edition.

Genres: Science, Astronomy, Physics, Nonfiction

321 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jorge · Rating 4 out of 5]

para todos aquellos que, como yo, deseamos tener una descripción muy básica de cómo funciona el universo a nivel estelar, sin necesidad de comenzar por un libro pesado.
Excelente libro guía para un curso muy básico de astrofísica estelar.ç
También es un muy buen libro para trabajarlo en grupos de astronomía amateur.

[Dale Alan Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, it turns out that astrophysics is not quite so easy! However, this is an informative treatise of the general ideas in astrophysics for the advanced amateur astronomer.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the paperback edition of Astrophysics is easy. Before reading the book if you asked me what Astrophysics studied I was not sure. But, thinking about it now if the name is Astrophysics it must have to do with the physics of space.

The book is not very math heavy so that made it easier for me to read. But, there were gray boxes in the text of the book with that showed equations. The book makes me want to get better at math so I can understand astrophysics better.

The first chapter talks about measurements which I had not much of a clue about. The book also talks about interstellar medium, star birth, star death, exoplanets, galaxy, black holes and other astrophysics stuff.

The thing I liked most about Astrophysics is easy is that most of the chapters list of objects in the sky to observe dealing with the subject a chapter is talking about. So say its the chapter on exoplanets it has a list of exoplanet systems that I can observe. After the name of the system and some other information in between 2 horizontal lines the book has some text under it talking about that particular system.

The book also talks about using a telescope. I thought if I used higher magnification that would also be better. I was wrong.

The chapters having to do with stars are my favorite. Its so interesting to read about proto stars, stars on the main sequence and how stars might die.

And at end of the book it has a list of astronomy books, and magazines.

I know more about astrophysics after reading Astrophysics is easy that is for sure. I can't wait to get outside and observe some stars. But, first I will have to learn where some are.

[Jorge · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to delve deep into the calculus formulae, this book might not be suitable for you. However, if you are a basic amateur astronomer like me and looking for samples of objects in each topic covered in the book, then this book is perfect for you, for the sake of basic principles.
Additionally, the quality of the book paper is superior.
I´m enjoying this book a lot for work with presentations inside the context of my astronomy group.
Perfect for this, simple, well-organized, and nice conceptual images.
I think a version with good photos of the objects could be amazing.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really, it is! This book was written so non-physicists can actually understand things like star formation, supernovae, etc.

[Hannah]

Very thorough! I learned a lot an recommend it if you want to join this field!