Astrophysics Is Easy!: An Introduction for the Amateur Astronomer 2nd ed. 2015 Edition

“It covers 16 topics from planetary astronomy to galactic nuclei. Each is presented in a self-contained chapter that introduces the phenomenology and the physics behind it and an observation list so readers with access to a telescope can locate and view objects in the category. … Undergraduate physics students will find it a useful reference on astronomical topics. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division and upper-division undergraduates; general readers.” (A. Spero, Choice, Vol. 52 (11), July, 2015)

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.