Which textbook is best for studying gravitation and cosmology?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter folksong
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the comparison between two prominent textbooks for studying gravitation and cosmology: "Gravitation and Cosmology" by Steven Weinberg and "Gravitation" by Charles W. Misner, Kip S. Thorne, and John Archibald Wheeler (MTW). Both texts are recognized as standard references, with MTW being comprehensive yet extensive, while Weinberg offers a more concise approach, suitable for those proficient in tensor calculus. Additionally, the book "General Relativity" by Robert M. Wald is recommended as a valuable alternative for students.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with tensor calculus
  • Basic understanding of general relativity
  • Knowledge of cosmological principles
  • Ability to engage with advanced physics texts
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore "General Relativity" by Robert M. Wald for a modern perspective
  • Study "Gravitation and Cosmology" by Steven Weinberg for concise explanations
  • Read "Gravitation" by Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler for comprehensive coverage
  • Investigate additional resources on tensor calculus to enhance understanding
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators in gravitational theory, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of cosmology and general relativity through authoritative texts.

folksong
Two books,"Weinberg:Gravitation and Cosmology ,and Charles W. Misner,Kip S. Throne and John Archibald Wheeler :Gravitation",
Which one is better for a student?
Thanks
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
They are both standard texts, although getting a little old now. MTW is very large but thorough, Weinberg concise if you can handle tensors well. Try Wald "General Relativity" UCP as well.

Garth
 
Hey, what do you mean by Wheeler is 'getting a bit old'? Just wait till I report this to the AARP.
 
Any textbook I used must be getting old by now!

Garth
 
Garth said:
Any textbook I used must be getting old by now!

Garth

unless its at light speed! :biggrin:

Ok that wasn't funny..I'll shut up now.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Gravitation (MTW) Misner Thorne Wheeler - 50 years (RIP) C.W.Misner
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Graduate Interactive Galactic Dynamics Textbook -- Bovy 2022
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Poll Poll
Relativity Gravitation by Misner, Thorne and Wheeler
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
25K
Undergrad Energy conservation in Doppler (NOT cosmological) redshifts?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Relativity What are the necessary prerequisites for understanding Gravitation?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Graduate Differential Forms or Tensors for Theoretical Physics Today
  • · Replies 70 ·
3
Replies
70
Views
16K
Discover the Ultimate Guide: Gravitation by Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Undergrad Cosmological Redshift: Distinguishing From Doppler Effect
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Gravitation Charles Misner, Kip Thorne in Polish
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
Graduate Falsifications and constraints due to GW measurements
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K