Need reliable resources on basic astronomy and quantum physics

AI Thread Summary
Reliable resources for basic astronomy and quantum physics are sought, as the original poster finds Wikipedia and other sources inadequate. They emphasize the importance of understanding mathematical theories to grasp scientific concepts, noting their current high school level of math knowledge. The discussion highlights the necessity of foundational calculus and advanced mathematics for deeper research in physics. Participants suggest focusing on textbooks and reliable educational websites for better comprehension. The conversation concludes with a recognition of the challenges in understanding advanced theories without a solid mathematical background.
CrackerMcGinger
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I've been relying on Wikipedia and some other questionable sources for a basic understanding of these studies, and i don't think I should rely fully on these sources. If anyone can point me to a place that is reliable I would greatly appreciate it.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Textbooks.
 
CrackerMcGinger said:
I've been relying on Wikipedia and some other questionable sources for a basic understanding of these studies, and i don't think I should rely fully on these sources. If anyone can point me to a place that is reliable I would greatly appreciate it.
What is your starting point? What is one's background/experience in mathematics and physics?

The basics would be algebra and mechanics (statics and dynamics), and eventually one needs calculus.
 
Since I'm a freshman in high school, I'm pretty much looking for the basic theories and I'd sort out the equations later once I advance in mathematics.
 
Also, I'm looking for reliable sites. I can go to the library anytime I want to but I have to pay late fees. So I'm just looking for sites right now until I get enough money to pay my late fees.
 
CrackerMcGinger said:
Since I'm a freshman in high school, I'm pretty much looking for the basic theories and I'd sort out the equations later once I advance in mathematics.
The theories are mathematics. You'll never understand (or even come up) with any theory without the mathematics.
A long text about whatever is not a theory. Theories have to predict measurements, which means they have to provide a way to calculate the results of experiments.
 
mfb said:
The theories are mathematics. You'll never understand (or even come up) with any theory without the mathematics.
A long text about whatever is not a theory. Theories have to predict measurements, which means they have to provide a way to calculate the results of experiments.

The way I advance in understanding is this, once I learn the theory, I go to learn the complex math behind it, once I do that, I can figure out a theory with a similar basis to such mathematics, kinda like my alternate space time theory. Just to be clear, my alternate space time theory has nothing to do with another universe. But I'm getting off track. The thing is, I just need sources to understand theories I come across. I'm already talking to my sister about helping me with calculus and advanced mathematics, I will take some time, but meanwhile, I want sources so I can continue my research on multiple areas of physics. Does that even make sense?
 
CrackerMcGinger said:
I want sources so I can continue my research on multiple areas of physics.
Textbooks, see above.
 
  • #10
CrackerMcGinger said:
The way I advance in understanding is this, once I learn the theory, I go to learn the complex math behind it, once I do that, I can figure out a theory with a similar basis to such mathematics, kinda like my alternate space time theory. Just to be clear, my alternate space time theory has nothing to do with another universe. But I'm getting off track. The thing is, I just need sources to understand theories I come across. I'm already talking to my sister about helping me with calculus and advanced mathematics, I will take some time, but meanwhile, I want sources so I can continue my research on multiple areas of physics. Does that even make sense?

Look man if you haven't learned high school calculus (among other things) yet it's impossible to do any research. It's kind of like trying to write an english poem without knowing any english.
 
  • #11
HomogenousCow said:
Look man if you haven't learned high school calculus (among other things) yet it's impossible to do any research. It's kind of like trying to write an english poem without knowing any english.
That is not entirely true. True, I will not understand the advanced equations but I do understand the concepts. What I do with the parts I don't understand is file them into a category and work towards a point in which I understand it. All I need are theories not completely composed of equations. But I completely agree with what you're saying. I have just found a way to adapt until I get to that point.
 
  • #12
If you're not understanding the advanced equations then you're not understanding the concepts. Sorry.
 
  • #13
I stuck a fork in it, this thread is done.
 

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