Book Recommendation On Astrophysics

Slem

Iam a 2nd year electrical engineering student. But, I would like a book that explains the most modern physics and astrophysics. A book that starts off explaining about stars, black holes, worm holes, dark matter ... timespace curveture, all the way to the most recent modern cosmological discoveries and theories... and in detail.. If it takes more than one book to cover these subjects, please tell me
Thanks in advance.

oldspice1212

The cosmic perspective is a really great book, it's actually a text that is used for intro level astronomy classes at some universities.

http://www.amazon.ca/The-Cosmic-Pers.../dp/0321633660 This is how it looks, really good book. Talks about most of everything you mentioned. :)

Slem

Thanks alot!

Astronuc

This inquiry is similar to another thread.
http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=678412

The recommended text is similar in organization to the others, particularly Chaisson and MacMillan.

Cosmic Perspective with Mastering Astronomy, The, 6/E
http://www.amazon.com/The-Cosmic-Per...glnk-ca-c97-20
http://www.amazon.ca/The-Cosmic-Pers...glnk-ca-c97-20
Jeffrey O. Bennett, University of Colorado, Boulder
Megan O. Donahue, Michigan State University
Nicholas Schneider, University of Colorado, Boulder
Mark Voit, Michigan State University

http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educa...321620903.page

Table of Contents

I. DEVELOPING PERSPECTIVE

1. Our Place in the Universe
2. Discovering the Universe for Yourself
3. The Science of Astronomy
S1. Celestial Timekeeping and Navigation

II. KEY CONCEPTS FOR ASTRONOMY

4. Making Sense of the Universe: Understanding Motion, Energy, and Gravity
5. Light and Matter: Reading Messages from the Cosmos
6. Telescopes: Portals of Discovery

III. LEARNING FROM OTHER WORLDS

7. Our Planetary System
8. Formation of the Solar System
9. Planetary Geology: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds
10. Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds
11. Jovian Planet Systems
12. Asteroids, Comets, and Dwarf Planets: Their Nature, Orbits, and Impacts
13. Other Planetary Systems: The New Science of Distant Worlds

IV. A DEEPER LOOK AT NATURE

S2. Space and Time
S3. Spacetime and Gravity
S4. Building Blocks of the Universe

V. STARS

14. Our Star
15. Surveying the Stars
16. Star Birth
17. Star Stuff
18. The Bizarre Stellar Graveyard

VI. GALAXIES AND BEYOND

19. Our Galaxy
20. Galaxies and the Foundation of Modern Cosmology
21. Galaxy Evolution
22. Dark Matter, Dark Energy, and the Fate of the Universe
23. The Beginning of Time

VII. LIFE ON EARTH AND BEYOND

24. Life in the Universe

Lavabug

For core of astrophysics the 3 short volumes of "Stellar Physics" by Bohm-Vitense are ok, my introductory astrophysics course was based on this. Or replace the 3rd volume with Piranya's "Introduction to Stellar Structure and Evolution", much better for this part of the subject.

If you're just interested in black holes, GR, and some introductory things in cosmology, check the book titled "Relativity Demystified". Really cheap and doesn't skimp on the content (it is not light on the math, you could teach yourself basic tensor calculus and GR from this, but it's not pedantic either, quite friendly).

Liddle's "Introduction to Modern Cosmology" is ok and short, relatively up to date and just requires calculus. Some people seem to like it.

Longair's "High Energy Astrophysics" reads very friendly so if you're bored in your library, this might entertain you.