Foundations of Astrophysics

Key Benefit: Foundations of Astrophysics provides a contemporary and complete introduction to astrophysics for astronomy and physics majors. This book is briefer and more accessible than other books in the market, and is the most up-to-date book available in this fast-changing field. With a logical presentation and conceptual and quantitative end-of-chapter problems, the material is easier-to-grasp for introductory astrophysics readers.

Key Topics:

Early Astronomy, Emergence of Modern Astronomy, Orbital Mechanics, The Earth-Moon System, Interaction of Radiation and Matter, Astronomical Detection of Light, The Sun, Overview of the Solar System, Earth and Moon, The Planets,  Small Bodies in the Solar System, The Solar System in Perspective, Properties of Stars, Stellar Atmospheres, Stellar Interiors, The Interstellar Medium,

Formation and Evolution of Stars, Stellar Remnants, Our Galaxy, Galaxies, Active Galaxies, Clusters and Superclusters, Cosmology, History of the Universe

Market: Intended for those interested in learning the basics of astrophysics

Both Barbara Ryden and Brad Peterson are respected teachers and researchers at Ohio State University. Peterson serves as Department Chair. Ryden wrote  the Chambliss Astronomical Writing Award winner, Introduction to Cosmology, a text for majors published by Addison-Wesley. Peterson wrote a text on Active Galactic Nuclei published by Cambridge University press.