Synopses & Reviews
With some justification, many amateur astronomers believe astrophysics is a very difficult subject, requiring at least degree-level mathematics to understand it properly. This isn't necessarily the case. Mike Inglis' quantitative approach to the subject explains all aspects of astrophysics in simple terms and cuts through the incomprehensible mathematics with which this fascinating subject is all too often associated. Astrophysics is Easy! begins by looking at the H-R diagram and other basic tools of astrophysics, then ranges across the universe, from a first look at the interstellar medium and nebulae, through the birth, evolution and death of stars, to the physics of galaxies and clusters of galaxies. A unique feature of this book is the way that Dr. Inglis lists example objects for practical observation at every stage, so that practical astronomers can go and look at the object or objects under discussion - using only easily-available commercial amateur equipment.
Review
From the reviews: "Inglis ... offers a handy, useful resource both for amateur astronomers and colleges with small student-oriented observatories. It will be useful for introductory astronomy courses that include some observations. ... Many different kinds of stars are discussed with the appropriate physics. In addition, Inglis treats topics such as different kinds of galaxies, gravitational lensing, and Hubble's Law, all done using mathematics no more sophisticated than arithmetic. For all good college libraries. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates; two-year technical program students." (K. L. Schick, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (6), 2006) "Inglis begins by discussing all the fundamental tools of the trade and then moves on to the astrophysics of the interstellar medium stars, and finally galaxies. The text's tone is friendly and conversational, and the author sprinkles in his own anecdotal experiences. The book is generously illustrated with black-and-white figures and a few color photographs. ... Astrophysics Is Easy! is a must for any amateur astronomer who desires to learn more about the science of astronomy ... ." (Jennifer Birriel, Sky and Telescope, May, 2008) "The author has set himself the goal of writing a book that is useful to the amateur astronomer who wants to know more about the beauty in the sky ... . this book is affordable for many young scientists, physicists, or amateur astronomy groups. It will also be useful to professional astrophysicists who have to address a broad audience or prepare a lecture for a non-scientific public. ... this book may encourage more young readers to pursue a career in science, maybe even in astrophysics." (Fernande Grandjean and Gary J. Long, Physicalia Magazine, Vol. 30 (4), 2008)
Review
From the reviews:
"Inglis ... offers a handy, useful resource both for amateur astronomers and colleges with small student-oriented observatories. It will be useful for introductory astronomy courses that include some observations. ... Many different kinds of stars are discussed with the appropriate physics. In addition, Inglis treats topics such as different kinds of galaxies, gravitational lensing, and Hubble's Law, all done using mathematics no more sophisticated than arithmetic. For all good college libraries. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates; two-year technical program students." (K. L. Schick, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (6), 2006)
"Inglis begins by discussing all the fundamental tools of the trade and then moves on to the astrophysics of the interstellar medium stars, and finally galaxies. The text's tone is friendly and conversational, and the author sprinkles in his own anecdotal experiences. The book is generously illustrated with black-and-white figures and a few color photographs. ... Astrophysics Is Easy! is a must for any amateur astronomer who desires to learn more about the science of astronomy ... ." (Jennifer Birriel, Sky and Telescope, May, 2008)
"The author has set himself the goal of writing a book that is useful to the amateur astronomer who wants to know more about the beauty in the sky ... . this book is affordable for many young scientists, physicists, or amateur astronomy groups. It will also be useful to professional astrophysicists who have to address a broad audience or prepare a lecture for a non-scientific public. ... this book may encourage more young readers to pursue a career in science, maybe even in astrophysics." (Fernande Grandjean and Gary J. Long, Physicalia Magazine, Vol. 30 (4), 2008)
Synopsis
A unique feature of this book is the way that example objects for practical observation are given at every stage, so that practical astronomers can go and look at the objected or objects under discussion, using only commercial amateur equipment.
Synopsis
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 fascinating fundamentals of the subject. In Astrophysics Is Easy! Mike Inglis takes a quantitative approach to astrophysics that cuts through the incomprehensible mathematics, and explains the basics of astrophysics in accessible terms. The reader can view objects under discussion with commercial amateur equipment.
Table of Contents
Preface and Thanks.- Acknowledgements.- Overview.- Tools of the Trade.- The Interstellar Medium.- Stars.- Galaxies.- Appendices.- Book List.- Topic Index.- Object Index.