Product Description

Astrophysics: Decoding the Cosmos is an accessible introduction to the key principles and theories underlying astrophysics.

This text takes a close look at the radiation and particles that we receive from astronomical objects, providing a thorough understanding of what this tells us, drawing the information together using examples to illustrate the process of astrophysics. Chapters dedicated to objects showing complex processes are written in an accessible manner and pull relevant background information together to put the subject firmly into context.

The intention of the author is that the book will be a ‘tool chest’ for undergraduate astronomers wanting to know the how of astrophysics. Students will gain a thorough grasp of the key principles, ensuring that this often–difficult subject becomes more accessible.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #249590 in Books
• Published on: 2007-04-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 446 pages

Review
"This is a very easy to read textbook although full of physical insight " (Reviews, June 2008)

"Good upper–level physics students…graduate students will cherish this book..." (CHOICE, January 2008)

From the Back Cover
Astrophysics: Decoding the Cosmos is an accessible introduction to the key principles and theories underlying the subject. It takes a close look at the radiation and particles that we receive from astronomical objects and provides a thorough understanding of what these information–bearers tell us. Chapters are dedicated to complex physical processes described in an accessible manner and pull together relevant background material that , with many examples, places the physics firmly into an astronomical context.

• an accessible student–friendly guide to the key theories and principles of astrophysics
• includes numerous illustrations, examples and end–of–chapter problems to enhance student understanding
• focuses on the ′how′ of astronomy– how densities, temperatures, masses and energies are actually determined
• a ′tool chest′ for undergraduate astronomers providing key background information to the subject
• describes the physics first, then moves on to provide examples of the theory in practice

This book will be invaluable for students taking courses in astrophysics, physics and astronomy and will also be a useful reference for graduate students looking for an overview of the subject.

About the Author
Dr Judith Ann Irwin, Department of Physics, Queen’s University, Kingston Ontario, Canada

Customer Reviews

Excellent Astrophysics Handbook
I have read this cover to cover and taken the course based on this text, lead by the author.

That was 3 years ago when I was an undergrad astrophysics student. I have now graduated and am working toward a research based PhD. I still use this book constantly. It is an excellent resource for astrophysicists aimed at problem solving. I have used information across a wide range of topics in undergrad Astrophysics as well as in research projects including star formation and active galactic nuclei.

It focuses on observation challenges rather than the mechanics. The physics which is explained is always brought back to the observable on earth. This means that it does not stand alone as the only AP textbook you will ever need but would definitely be one of the first 3 books I picked to build my AP reference library, along with Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Tipler / Mosca) and Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics (Zeilik / Gregory)