Customer Reviews

Astrophysics is Easy!: An Introduction for the Amateur Astronomer (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

The book promises to present a treatment of astrophysics which can be understood at a reasonably deep level while keeping the mathematics in the background. To a large extent, the author succeeds in doing this. The main text has almost no mathematics, while for those who wish to go a little deeper into the subject matter, there are boxed paragraphs which explain the topic in more detail. All in all, this is a good book to read, but unfortunately there are many typographical mistakes, which can in some cases confuse the reader. For instance, in box 1.3 on p8, the word "distance" in the first line of the third paragraph from the end should read "luminosity". In Table 1.2 on p9, the very last entry in the right hand column should be 100,000,000 and not 10,000,000. On p19, the statement that temperature is proportional to temperature is incorrect. It is, as the author states a few lines above, proportional to the fourth power of temperature, which is not the same thing. Clearly the author is trying to simplify matters for the non-mathematical reader, but this is not license to make incorrect statements. Many of the coordinates given for various objects are incorrect. An observer using a goto telescope and the author's coordinates to point to the famous double-double in Lyra would end up with the telescope pointing deep into the southern hemisphere. Same comment about 61 Cygni, NGC 891 etc, etc.
If the author is contemplating a second edition, it should be thoroughly proof-read before publication. I would also suggest that footnotes, rather than end of chapter notes would be less disruptive when reading the book.

It is a pity that a book of such promise looks to have been produced in a rush. I still have no hesitation in recommending it, but the reader should not necessarily accept everything in it as correct.

This is a great little book. Whenever I give a talk on my astrophysics research (in high energy cosmic rays and neutrinos) to the amateur astronomers, I mention this book as a good step for expanding their knowledge of the science underlying their hobby. Professional and amateur astronomy are a long distance apart, though many scientists got interested in science first from looking at the skies. This book helps bridge the gap somewhat.

Don't let the size of this book fool you. It is packed with useful information and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about what they see in the night sky. Each section of the book has example objects to view...I really like that aspect of this book.

Don't be concerned about too much technical/mathematical detail. The material is presented in a way that's "meaty" and concise which makes it easy to get the most out of it.

Prior to reading this book I read a college level astronomy text and several amateur astronomy books. I would say this is an important addition to any amateur astronomer's bookshelf. The material is up to date and well presented.

The Universe is full of Wonders which many of us may never be aware of, comprehend or fully appreciate. For many, the scientific methods and tools used to learn and understand the Universe seem to be out of the grasp. Unfortunately, even dedicated Amateur Astronomers are susceptible to this myth as many may believe that these scientific discoveries and methods belong to a special kind of people in science institutes and collages. This book comes to prove that it's possible to learn how to unravel and understand some of the universe's hidden treasures and mysteries without literally go out on a limb.
You start by understanding the Measurements of Star Magnitudes, Luminosity, and Temperature and even get a grasp on the most important tool used by Astronomers the popular tool HR Diagram. Know how to classify stars and understand their formation and demise. Learn how to appreciate the beauty of Clusters, Nebulas and the power of Supernova's and Black holes. I have to admit, there is a bit of math in there, you can easily follow its logic and apply it to real life examples and get the results that previously looked like Gobbledygook belonging to the realm of Mad Scientists. Its not easy reading, you do need to read it carefully, and reread it again and again to gain the level of understanding required to appreciate its contents. There are many books out there on Astronomy, some are quiet rich in content and literally quiet heavy, but this one is simple, brief and enjoyable.

Astrophysics (or at least a general introduction to it) really IS easy with this friendly book geared toward amateur astronomers. An introduction to the heavens, cobbled together with science and telescope viewing tips, doesn't sound much like a romantic outing but believe me, halfway through the book you'll begin lusting for a telescope. The author's enthusiasm is infectious. The text proceeds incrementally, and basic concepts are repeated often, so you'll be dropping terms like "Cepheid variable", "Roche lobe" and "type II supernova" at the breakfast table before you know it.

A word, though, about the Kindle addition. ANY text like this comes with pictures, diagrams, etc---and the Kindle (at least the small one) just isn't the right medium for them. I found myself frustrated often as I pressed sys, wormed the cursor over pictures, then sat very still trying to enlarge. It's not the Kindle's fault--I knew it'd be a problem, and now I don't have this great book on paper. Next time I'll remember to confine my Kindle purchaces strictly to novels.

Being an amateur astronomer, I was hoping for a book that would bring me to the astrophysics section as most of my astronomy books are all guide books for beginners. I am pleased that the book was delivered on time. The author was also very enthusiastic about the topic and presented astrophysics, usually known to many as a difficult and tedious topic in a light manner. The math used is only to a small extent but the important parts are kept. It is relatively easy to understand and it can serve as an introduction to those wanting to take astronomy courses.
I recommend this book to those wanting to pursue astronomy at a higher level.




Astrophysics is Easy!: An Introduction for the Amateur Astronomer (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series)

This book is exactly what we needed to study for a non-calculus based astronomy exam. Broad coverage combined with detailed mathematical calculations plus informative text makes this the best book on the market. There are many introductory astronomy texts that are also excellent but less mathematical, so get one of those too, but use this for help with astronomy problem solving.

I used to love day-dreaming about space when I was a kid. This book makes me feel that sense of wonder and amazement again - and I can understand most of it! I spent a day at the planetarium in New York, and I felt like I could deliver my own lecture to the audience. And the best thing is - I bought this for my son, and we share our interest in and awe for the universe.