Introductory Astrophysics Textbook Recommendations?

[darkchild]

Can anyone recommend an introductory general Astrophysics text for a senior physics undergrad? I'm looking for something that has at least a moderate amount of mathematical examples, and is heavy on exposition (even ad nauseum). I like textbooks that include some history of the subject, for example, a book that explains where equations come from, as opposed to just spewing them out at the reader. I also tend to prefer the writing style that can be found in books written by the OG scientists (i.e. Maxwell, Planck, etc.).

Thanks a lot.

 

[shinotenshi]

I haven't read any books about astrophysics or anything like that, but Google brings http://www.tower.com/a-textbook-astronomy-astrophysics-with-elements-cosmology-vishnu-bhagwan-bhatia-hardcover/wapi/102158339" up.

Designed for students who have a basic understanding of physics and mathematics, this text provides a fundamental, three-in-one introduction to astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. The astronomy section explores fundamental topics such as the celestial coordinate system, stellar classification schemes, H-R diagrams, and the masses and radii of stars. The astrophysics section addresses stellar structure, stellar atmospheres, energy generation in stars, and nucleosynthesis. Also covering galactic structure and rotation, the cosmology section introduces the Robertson-Walker metric and Friedman models of the universe and discusses the present status of the Hubble constant along with problems associated with the age of the universe. Numerous problems, diagrams, and up-to-date references make this an ideal introductory text for graduate courses in physics, mathematics, space physics, or any program for which astronomy is an option.

From http://www.citeulike.org/user/jasmithoffice/article/3021096

 

[malawi_glenn]

we have science books forum here...

Universe, by Freedman (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0716785846/?tag=pfamazon01-20) I had, and it was great.

If you want a book with some historical facts aswell, this is the thing for you!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0805304029/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[nicksauce]

I find Introduction to Modern Astrophysics by Carroll and Ostlie to be an amazingly comprehensive reference. Highly recommended.

 

[malawi_glenn]

The only "bad" things about is that it is ENORMOUS - 1400pages

And no color images :(