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Astrophysics is a subject that is often - with some justification - regarded as extremely difficult, requiring at least degree-level mathematics as a prerequisite to its understanding. Consequently, many amateur astronomers just don't bother, and miss out on the fascinating fundamentals of the subject, and often on an understanding of exactly what they are observing.
Mike Inglis' quantitative approach to astrophysics cuts through all the incomprehensible mathematics, and explains all aspects of astrophysics in simple terms.
A unique feature of this book is the way that example objects for practical observation are given at every stage, so that practical astronomers can go and look at the objected or objects under discussion, using only commercial amateur equipment.
Preface and Thanks.- Acknowledgements.- Overview.- Tools of the Trade.- The Interstellar Medium.- Stars.- Galaxies.- Appendices.- Book List.- Topic Index.- Object Index.
From the reviews: "Inglis ! offers a handy, useful resource both for amateur astronomers and colleges with small student-oriented observatories. It will be useful for introductory astronomy courses that include some observations. ! Many different kinds of stars are discussed with the appropriate physics. In addition, Inglis treats topics such as different kinds of galaxies, gravitational lensing, and Hubble's Law, all done using mathematics no more sophisticated than arithmetic. For all good college libraries. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates; two-year technical program students." (K. L. Schick, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (6), 2006) "Inglis begins by discussing all the fundamental tools of the trade and then moves on to the astrophysics of the interstellar medium stars, and finally galaxies. The text's tone is friendly and conversational, and the author sprinkles in his own anecdotal experiences. The book is generously illustrated with black-and-white figures and a few color photographs. ! Astrophysics Is Easy! is a must for any amateur astronomer who desires to learn more about the science of astronomy ! ." (Jennifer Birriel, Sky and Telescope, May, 2008) "The author has set himself the goal of writing a book that is useful to the amateur astronomer who wants to know more about the beauty in the sky ! . this book is affordable for many young scientists, physicists, or amateur astronomy groups. It will also be useful to professional astrophysicists who have to address a broad audience or prepare a lecture for a non-scientific public. ! this book may encourage more young readers to pursue a career in science, maybe even in astrophysics." (Fernande Grandjean and Gary J. Long, Physicalia Magazine, Vol. 30 (4), 2008)
