Learn about the solar system and explore the possibility of alien life with free courses from top universities. Covers all areas of astronmomy and is written in an easy to follow manner. Frank shu is a professor of astronomy at the university of california, berkeley. As its titled, it gives a great introduction to astronomy and astrophysics. An introduction to modern stellar astrophysics, by bradley w. The mastering astronomy website access that comes with it is awesome. So if you want to learn about space with a telescope in tow, this one might be for you. Our recentlyread books in all categories can be found at best space. The best astronomy books for beginners offer a solid and informative introduction to the fascinating world of astronomy. Shu has written a number of expository articles for the lay public, and is the author of the physics of astrophysics, volumes i and ii. This staple from the popular for dummies series gets pretty high ratings from readers. What is a good and easy to read introductory text for an adult with limited basic scientific knowledge to astronomy for someone without a telescope and lives in a big city and why do you think that. My phd advisor is the managing author of the series now. It is enriched with both the theoretical and mathematical aspects that you seem to ask for.
An astronomy book designed for kids is not going to offer detailed advice on how to get started with astrophotography, which lenses you will need, how to mount your camera for timelapse photography, or how to attach a camera to a telescope. Best astronomy books for beginners telescope observer. What books do you recommend for an introduction to. This thought provoking introduction is explained in language easily understood and sets the foundation for getting beginners excited about astronomy. Good illustrations and diagrams to explain concepts. The book is now in its 4th edition having been revised and improved for use through the year 2025. With over 600,000 copies sold worldwide over the last two decades, nightwatch.
Introductory astronomy and astrophysics by michael zeilik. The 100 best astronomy books recommended by edip yuksel, jamie mckelvie. Nightwatch is the perfect introduction to astronomy and stargazing. Best astronomy and astrophysics books to read in 2019 space. Choose from used and new textbooks or get instant access with etextbooks and digital materials. The book can be used as a text for a descriptive course in astronomy for nonscience majors by omitting the problems, a good introductory text for undergraduate science majors by assigning some of. General astronomy books for beginners astronomy for dummies by stephen p. The best astronomy and space books of 2019 skyatnightmagazine. Cosmos by carl sagan, a brief history of time by stephen hawking, atlas of the universe by patrick moore, intro. Find introductory astronomy textbooks at up to 90% off.
Brown physics textbooks introductory physics i and ii a lecture note style textbook series intended to support the teaching of introductory physics, with calculus, at. It does require some basic chemistry, calculus, and physics to understand, but there are some excellent appendices to use to brush up your skill. He received his phd from harvard university in 1968. But if your purpose is having a more comprehensive reference, suitable for selecting only the topics you need, here is a combination of two excellent books. Fundamentals of astronomy hannu karttunen, heikki oja, pekka kroger is a great introductory book for astronomy. He is really crazy focused on not glossing over sticky details that make most textbook authors get sloppy. A fully detailed book good for the need to learn peeps. Introduction to astronomy by cecilia paynegaposchkin.
A practical guide to viewing the universe is by far the bestselling introductory book on astronomy of all time. Stuart clarks top 10 approachable astronomy books books. What is a good introductory text to astronomy physics stack. The most exciting and informative segment is the introduction to the lunar atlas, which divides the moon into 16 sections and includes lunar. What is a good introductory text to astronomy stack exchange. For those interested in an astronomy book that provides a more general overview, its good to keep in mind your prior knowledge.
Looking at the stars is a good way to provoke a primal reaction. It presents somewhat complicated information in an easy to understand way, as it thoroughly covers all of the important aspects of multiple solar systems. Inspired by the enormously popular introductory astronomy course that neil. I have this book as a textbook for intro astronomy, but it would be good for anyone wanting an uptodate book on this topic. Lots of interactive diagrams to further explain concepts.
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