What Are The Best Books To Study Cosmology?

[Figaro]

Hi, I'm currently in my last year of undergraduate degree, I have a basic knowledge of GR (A. Zee) but I have a very limited knowledge of cosmology, I did not cover the cosmology portion of Zee's book as it is too superficial and I don't want to waste my time reading that. I think my time will be better off at reading proper cosmology books. Based on my searches, Cosmology by Harrison is a good starter but is it an undergrad book or too easy in that respect? Is Cosmology by Roos good for undergrad? For grad school Dodelson? Can anybody guide me on the proper outline of books for cosmology?

 

[George Jones]

I like "Introduction to Cosmology" by Barbara Ryden
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0805389121/?tag=pfamazon01-20

and, at a little higher level, Daniel Baumann's lecture notes for a course that he taught at Cambridge
http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/db275/Cosmology/Lectures.pdf

 

[Figaro]

I like "Introduction to Cosmology" by Barbara Ryden
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0805389121/?tag=pfamazon01-20

and, at a little higher level, Daniel Baumann's lecture notes for a course that he taught at Cambridge
http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/db275/Cosmology/Lectures.pdf

Ryden's book was published in 2002, while Roos' have a 4th edition last (2015), do you think that is a major plus? 13 years seems to have a lot of change in Cosmology.

 

[The Bill]

Ryden's book was published in 2002, while Roos' have a 4th edition last (2015), do you think that is a major plus? 13 years seems to have a lot of change in Cosmology.

The Amazon page for Roos 4e has a "Look Inside" preview which includes the preface, which outlines the changes from the third edition.

 

[malawi_glenn]

The second edition of the book by Ryden will soon be available http://www.cambridge.org/se/academic/subjects/astronomy/cosmology-and-relativity/introduction-cosmology-2nd-edition-1?format=HB&isbn=9781107154834

 

[Figaro]

The second edition of the book by Ryden will soon be available http://www.cambridge.org/se/academic/subjects/astronomy/cosmology-and-relativity/introduction-cosmology-2nd-edition-1?format=HB&isbn=9781107154834

Which do you think will be much better as a self study book? Roos or Ryden?

 

[malawi_glenn]

I really liked Rydens book, I have not looked into Roos but I have the 3rd edition though. If you have the time to wait, then perhaps Ryden is the best?

 

[Figaro]

I really liked Rydens book, I have not looked into Roos but I have the 3rd edition though. If you have the time to wait, then perhaps Ryden is the best?

Thanks for your suggestions but what is the standard outline in studying cosmology? From undergrad to grad.

 

[Niladri Dan]

u may read the mechanical universe by Goodstein

 

[Figaro]

I like "Introduction to Cosmology" by Barbara Ryden
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0805389121/?tag=pfamazon01-20

and, at a little higher level, Daniel Baumann's lecture notes for a course that he taught at Cambridge
http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/db275/Cosmology/Lectures.pdf

That is a very good lecture notes, but I have a question on page 31 equation (2.1.6) on inflation, since the energy density $ρ(a)$ and the scale $a$ is related by $ρ(a) ∝ a^{-3(1+w)}$, he said that the comoving Hubble radius is given by (for a universe dominated by a fluid with constant equation of state)
$(aH)^{-1} = H_o^{-1} a^{\frac{1+3w}{2}}$. How did he get this relation?

 

[George Jones]

That is a very good lecture notes, but I have a question on page 31 equation (2.1.6) on inflation, since the energy density $ρ(a)$ and the scale $a$ is related by $ρ(a) ∝ a^{-3(1+w)}$, he said that the comoving Hubble radius is given by (for a universe dominated by a fluid with constant equation of state)
$(aH)^{-1} = H_o^{-1} a^{\frac{1+3w}{2}}$. How did he get this relation?

Multiply equation (1.3.136),
$$H = H_0 \sqrt{\Omega}a^{-\frac{3}{2} \left( 1 + w \right)},$$
by the scale factor $a$, and note that for a (spatially) flat universe, $\Omega = 1$.

 

[Figaro]

Multiply equation (1.3.136),
$$H = H_0 \sqrt{\Omega}a^{-\frac{3}{2} \left( 1 + w \right)},$$
by the scale factor $a$, and note that for a (spatially) flat universe, $\Omega = 1$.

Thanks!