Getting started with astronomy and astrophysics self-study

[yarons]

Hello all,

I am not sure this is the right forum for my question so apologies if it isn't.

Since I took a couple of physics courses in university (software engineering) I found myself drawn to the subject (mainly astronomy and astrophysics). Due to lack of time (you got to earn a living, right?) I couldn't really deepen my knowledge on the subject. Things have improved lately and I really want to take this seriously.
Was wondering if anyone from this forum could be so kind as to advise me of the best way to start. Maybe some beginners books?
I remember quite a bit from my time at Uni and my Math isn't that bad, though I'm not sure what is the required level.

Any help would be highly appreciated.

 

[MadScientist 1000]

I'll help you:

You have to select first what you are going to specialize in actually, before you start. You might require some background knowledge on such subjects.

I suggest that you go to your neighborhood library and check the physics section for good books. My favorite books are below:

Black Holes and Time Warps by Kip S. Thorne
A Briefer History of Time by Stephen Hawking
Alpha and Omega

There are countless books on astronomy, and not all of them are good, so don't just waste your time reading all of the books you see and memorizing tables.