Best astrophysics book for starters?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for introductory books on astrophysics, particularly for individuals with limited mathematical backgrounds. Participants share their thoughts on various titles and their suitability for beginners.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in astrophysics but feels mathematically impaired, seeking beginner-friendly books.
  • Another participant recommends Brian Greene's 'The Elegant Universe' as a good starting point, particularly for those interested in string theory.
  • A different participant suggests that 'The Elegant Universe' is easy to comprehend and encourages reading it first.
  • Another participant mentions Mike Inglis' 'Astrophysics is Easy' as a potential option for beginners.
  • An astrophysics student recommends Carrol-Ostlie's 'An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics' as the best choice for beginners, noting its availability online.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on a single best book, as participants suggest different titles based on their perspectives and experiences. Multiple competing views remain regarding which book is most suitable for beginners.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of mathematical proficiency and interest in different aspects of astrophysics, which may influence their recommendations. The discussion does not resolve which book is definitively the best for all beginners.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals new to astrophysics, particularly those with limited mathematical skills, may find the recommendations helpful in selecting introductory reading material.

Gufberg
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Hello everyone

I'm attending first year of the danish Gymnasium and do feel seriously mathematically impaired, however i find especially astrophysics very interesting, and would like to know something about it.
It should be said that my mathematical ability is absolutly stretched at the otherwise simple 'y=ax+b'. So i will need some mathematical skill also, i just thought i might as well take the more interesting approach of astrophysics and learn what mathematics i need, as i discover stuff i don't understand.

Anyway, I've been looking at Brian Greene's 'The Elegant Universe' as it looks like a good
book for starters. I'm also thinking of buying Mike Inglis' 'Astrophysics is easy'.

Do you have any idea as to which books i should read first?. As is probably understood by the thread, i need to start from scratch on this :).

Thanks for listening!
 
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The Elegant Universe is a great book, I suggest that you read it if you're interested in String Theory and Astrophysics. It gives you a background of what your going to get yourself into.

Brian Greene's book is very easy to comprehend, hence I suggest you read it first.
 
Gufberg said:
Hello everyone

I'm attending first year of the danish Gymnasium and do feel seriously mathematically impaired, however i find especially astrophysics very interesting, and would like to know something about it.
It should be said that my mathematical ability is absolutly stretched at the otherwise simple 'y=ax+b'. So i will need some mathematical skill also, i just thought i might as well take the more interesting approach of astrophysics and learn what mathematics i need, as i discover stuff i don't understand.

Anyway, I've been looking at Brian Greene's 'The Elegant Universe' as it looks like a good
book for starters. I'm also thinking of buying Mike Inglis' 'Astrophysics is easy'.

Do you have any idea as to which books i should read first?. As is probably understood by the thread, i need to start from scratch on this :).

Thanks for listening!

Hi Gufberg:smile:,
just go to the following link in search type "Elegant universe",the book is very interesting
http://www.freebookspot.in/

All the
phyixlover
 
Thank you for advice !
 
I'm an astrophysics student, for beginners I think Carrol-Ostlie's "An Introduction to modern astrophysics" is the best.
You can find it in .djvu if you search on the net.
Greetings!
 

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