What are some recommended beginner's books for studying gravitational waves?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on recommended beginner's books for studying gravitational waves, particularly for undergraduate physics majors. The two-volume set by Maggiore is highlighted as the best pedagogical resource. Additionally, "A First Course in General Relativity" by Schutz and "A General Relativity Workbook" by Thomas Moore are suggested for their relevant chapters on gravitational waves. Review papers and lecture notes by Sean Carroll are also recommended for deeper insights into the topic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Relativity (GR)
  • Familiarity with gravitational wave concepts
  • Basic knowledge of physics and mathematics
  • Access to academic papers and lecture notes
NEXT STEPS
  • Read the two-volume set "Gravitation" by Maggiore
  • Study "A First Course in General Relativity" by Schutz
  • Explore Sean Carroll's lecture notes on General Relativity
  • Review the paper on gravitational waves available at http://arxiv.org/pdf/gr-qc/0501041v3.pdf
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate physics majors, educators in gravitational wave research, and anyone seeking a foundational understanding of gravitational waves and General Relativity.

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Hi, I need a beginner's book to study gravitational waves by myself. I am an undergrad physics major and just took my GR course. A beginner's book on GR will also help me lot. please suggest
 
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Most books dedicated solely to gravitational waves tend to be quite advanced and specialized. The best pedagogical one I know of is the two volume set by Maggiore: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0198570740/?tag=pfamazon01-20

If you're interested in gravitational waves specifically then you'd be better off reading review papers on them in the context of e.g. inflation, compact binaries, radiation reaction and self-forces, or just in general. Here's a review paper on gravitational waves that I really like because of its careful discussion of physical radiation modes vs. radiating gauge modes: http://arxiv.org/pdf/gr-qc/0501041v3.pdf

There aren't really any introductory GR books that delve into gravitational waves in considerable detail; they usually just present the absolute basics and move on but "A First Course in General Relativity"-Schutz has a very nice chapter on gravitational waves if you want to check that out.
 
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Sean Carrol's GR book has a chapter on it, IIRC.

You may also find some lecture notes he wrote on the topic here: http://preposterousuniverse.com/grnotes/grnotes-six.pdf
 
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"A General Relativity Workbook" by Thomas Moore, which is supposed to be an elementary, pedagogical introduction to general relativity, has several chapters on gravitational waves. Moore lists gravitational waves as a research interest.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1891389823/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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