Next level up from pop science texts?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding textbooks and resources for self-studying astrophysics and physics that are more advanced than popular science texts but still accessible without requiring extensive mathematical background. Participants share various recommendations and resources suitable for someone studying out of personal interest rather than for professional purposes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is seeking textbooks that provide a deeper understanding of astrophysics and physics, specifically those that require only basic math.
  • Another participant suggests Leonard Susskind's Theoretical Minimum series for those looking for more mathematical depth, along with online videos for additional support.
  • A recommendation is made for a Great Courses astrophysics course taught by Neil deGrasse Tyson, along with other related courses available on the same platform.
  • R. Shankar's lectures and textbooks are mentioned as valuable resources available on YouTube and Yale's open course website.
  • M. Lachieze-Rey's book "Cosmology: A First Course" is highlighted for its focus on physics over mathematics, containing basic calculus without delving into more complex topics like tensor calculus.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple recommendations and resources, indicating a variety of perspectives on suitable materials for self-study. No consensus is reached on a single best resource, reflecting differing opinions on what constitutes an appropriate level of complexity.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of mathematical background and interest, which may influence their recommendations. The discussion does not resolve the suitability of any specific resource for all learners.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in self-studying astrophysics or physics at a level beyond popular science, particularly those looking for accessible resources that do not require advanced mathematics.

Gleaner
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I am looking into self studying astrophysics, but not to an academic professional level. I am at the moment going through the Khan Academy material in maths, physics and astronomy.
I am in no hurry to grasp all the material, as my reason for self study is more interest than professional related.
But saying that are there any textbooks for astrophysics/physics that are beyond the pop science level which has basic math?
At the same time not needing to take an advance course in maths to understand.

thanks
 
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Perhaps this book would be good:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393609391/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Physics wise there Leonard Suskinds Theoretical Minimum series of three books and some online videos:

http://theoreticalminimum.com/

These are for folks who want more math and deeper understanding of things they've studied years ago but never quite mastered.

Also the Great Courses has a course on Astrophysics taught by Tyson:

http://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/my-favorite-universe.html

and others here:

http://www.thegreatcourses.com/search/?q=astronomy

and this one been around for a long time by Alex Fillopenko:

http://www.thegreatcourses.com/cour...an-introduction-to-astronomy-2nd-edition.html

Disregard the prices shown and wait for them to go on sale. I think all of them come up that way once a year.
 
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Try R. Shankar's lectures on YouTube or Yale's open course website. He's compiled them into two textbooks called Fundamentals of Physics I and II, also.
 
I like M. Lachieze-Rey, Cosmology: A First Course
It contains basic calculus, but not tensor calculus of general-relativity formalism. The emphasis is on physics (in cosmology), not on mathematics. And it is only about 130 pages long.
 
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