Introduction to Cosmology
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease your way into cosmology
  • Very well written
  • Clear and useful
Introduction to Cosmology
Barbara Ryden
Manufacturer: Benjamin Cummings
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0805389121

Book Description

Introduction to Cosmology provides a rare combination of a solid foundation of the core physical concepts of cosmology and the most recent astronomical observations. The book is designed for advanced undergraduates or beginning graduate students and assumes no prior knowledge of general relativity. An emphasis is placed on developing the readers' physical insight rather than losing them with complex math. An approachable writing style and wealth of fresh and imaginative analogies from "everyday" physics are used to make the concepts of cosmology more accessible. The book is unique in that it not only includes recent major developments in cosmology, like the cosmological constant and accelerating universe, but also anticipates key developments expected in the next few years, such as detailed results on the cosmic microwave background. For anyone interested in cosmology or astronomy.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Ease your way into cosmology.......2005-09-06

As an undergraduate studying particle physics, I have found Ryden to be an excellent first-book in cosmology for self-study. The text requires no previous knowledge of general relativity (though this certainly helps, perhaps at the level of Carroll's text) or astrophysics, which is refreshing for those who would rather not wade through the astrophysics part of an astrophysics-cosmology course.

Ryden's explanations are clear and carefully thought out, and she really makes an effort to hold one's hand through many topics. The book is straightforward and well-organized enough for more advanced students to skim quickly through chapters they are familiar with while also being able to slow down at certain points for a careful derivation here and there.

Overall, the topics are somewhat rudimentary (this text is definitely geared towards undergraduates)--i.e. don't expect to be calculating dark matter relic densities or studying cosmic strings--but combined with her suggested references for further reading and the text's ground-up style, this is a fantastic book at this level that provides a solid foundation for students who wish to move on to more advanced texts such as Kolb and Turner or Dodelson.

Addison Wesley should also be commended for their excellent typesetting (continuing a string of very well typeset books including Carroll's Spacetime Geometry and Goldstein's Classical Mechanics, 3rd. ed). Formulae are clear and easy to read, sections are well divided, and there is a wonderfully large margin for readers to write notes in.

The only lament I can agree with on this book is that it does not contain WMAP data, which would be a delight for a modern cosmology book.

5 out of 5 stars Very well written.......2004-11-15

It seems lately people have been writing very good textbooks, for example "Gravity: from the ground up", "String theory: First Course" and "Spacetime and Geometry" etc, and this is among the best. As has been mentioned, there are no tensors in this book. General relativity is introduced with equivalence principle and the metric and by investigating different kind of curvatures and corresponding metrics. Clarity is outstanding in almost every chapter.

After introducing the Friedmann, fluid and acceleration equations etc, the chapters include single-component universes, multiple-component universes, measuring cosmological parameters. dark matter, cosmic microwave background, nucleosynthesis and the early universe, inflation and the very early universe + formation of structure. I think one of the positives of this book is that the chapters are quite short and the whole book itself is quite short at 250 pages. I think this is a good thing because its much easier to stay focused/motivated when you know it wont take 10 years to reach the end. And as has been mentioned, the writing style is very understandable and not too terse. I think this book is a perfect example on how to write physics tetxbooks.

5 out of 5 stars Clear and useful.......2003-02-06

This book is an excellent introduction to all facets of cosmology for anyone from advanced undergraduates on. It includes a slow immersion in the key physical concepts of current cosmology theory, and broadly covers all relevent topics, as listed in the chapter headings. However, the greatest strength of this book is in the decision to forgo detailed General Relativity derivations. Instead of pages of numbing treatment of tensor math and metrics, Ryden summarizes the results of GR that are relevant to current cosmology, presenting the Friedmann equation and the Robertson-Walker metric. While this approach might infuriate purists, it allows the student to understand cosmology from a conceptual standpoint, while providing the mathematical tools necessary for analysis, and is a sufficient general introduction for any physics or astronomy student. It also provides a strong base of knowledge for those who do wish to proceed further into the details of GR. Furthermore, the conversational style of the text makes it much easier to read than any other physics textbook I have encountered. I would recommend any student (or professional) who slogged through their cosmology studies with no sense of the overall state of the field to use this book for both brushing up on the basics and as a quick reference.
The Mechanical Universe: Introduction to Mechanics and Heat
Average customer rating: Not rated
    The Mechanical Universe: Introduction to Mechanics and Heat
    Richard P. Olenick , Tom M. Apostol , and David L. Goodstein
    Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
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    This important textbook is based on, though independent of, an educational TV series to be broadcast on public television in the United States. Its aim is to guide students and general readers to an understanding of how the physical world works; physics is presented as a human endeavour, with historical development forming a thread throughout the text. The prerequisites are minimal, only basic algebra and trigonometry since the necessary calculus is developed in the text, with physics providing the motivation. New concepts are introduced at the natural, logical point with many historical references to place physics in a social perspective. Many topics from twentieth-century physics are included, for example energy, low temperature physics, relativity and black holes. The book is attractively and profusely illustrated and will be welcomed by students and also by general readers for whom this will be a stimulating alternative to other, less-thorough treatments.
    Explorations: An Introduction to Astronomy with Starry Nights Pro CD-ROM (v.3.1) (Explorations)
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Explorations
    • up to date introduction
    Explorations: An Introduction to Astronomy with Starry Nights Pro CD-ROM (v.3.1) (Explorations)
    Thomas T Arny
    Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math
    ProductGroup: Book
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    Book Description

    Arny: Explorations-An Introduction to Astronomy, 4th edition, is built on the foundation of its well known writing style, accuracy, and emphasis on current information. This new edition continues to offer the most complete technology/new media support package available. That technology/new media package includes: 23 Interactives including 17 NEW and 6 originals converted from Java to Flash(located on the text website and Digital Content Manager CD); Online Learning Center (that allows instructors to take their course to the web if they choose); and Starry Night Planetarium Software (packaged free with each new text).

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Explorations.......2006-03-28

    This book is very detailed and the CD-Rom has excellent pictures. The only downfall is that the mathmatical functions are not detailed enough for me.

    4 out of 5 stars up to date introduction.......2005-07-19

    A very solid, and up to date discussion of modern astronomy. Well suited for undergraduate astronomy majors taking a first course. You get a coherent formulation of our best understanding of galaxy formation on a cosmological scale. And also how first and second generation stars appear and evolve. Then, within a stellar system, how planets can condense out of gas.

    Naturally, our solar system is well described. From both observations made on Earth and by satellites (especially the Hubble), and by US and Russian probes.

    The CD will appeal to some of you. Arny has put considerable effort into it. But the main text stands well, even if the CD is missing.
    An Introduction to Astrobiology
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • More astro than biology
    An Introduction to Astrobiology

    Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
    ProductGroup: Book
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    ASIN: 0521546214

    Book Description

    Compiled by a team of experts, this textbook has been designed for elementary university courses in astrobiology. It begins with an examination of how life may have arisen on Earth and then reviews the evidence for possible life on Mars, Europa and Titan. The potential for life in exoplanetary systems and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence are also discussed. The text contains numerous useful learning features such as boxed summaries, student exercises with full solutions, and a glossary of terms. It is also supported by a website hosting further teaching materials. Written in an accessible style that avoids complex mathematics, this book is suitable for self-study and will appeal to amateur enthusiasts as well as undergraduate students. It contains numerous helpful learning features such as boxed summaries, student exercises with full solutions, and a glossary of terms. The book is also supported by a webstite hosting further teaching materials.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars More astro than biology.......2004-10-22

    This is an excellent textbook, with straightforward problems ... and answers! There's plenty of solid material here and very little fluff. The information is well presented, up-to-date, and easy to read.

    Three of the nine chapters are about the potential for life elsewhere in our planetary system, in particular on Mars, Europa, and Titan. Another three chapters are on extrasolar planets: how to find them, what we've discovered so far about them, and what signatures of life we might try to look for on them in the future. There's also a chapter on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). That leaves two chapters for the definition and origin of life, the Earth's acquisition of the necessary water and carbon, and so on. I'd prefer to see quite a bit more on biology here. I'd like to see much more discussion of the development of multicellular life, the changes in the Earth's environment caused by the production of oxygen, and the evolution of humans.

    That said, I really liked the chapter on the origin of life. It was illuminating to read about the origin of chirality, written by a specialist in organic matter in meteorites. And I also especially liked the chapters on exoplanets.

    Introduction to Space Physics (Cambridge Atmospheric & Space Science)
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Space Physics? OH YEAH!
    • Introduction to Space Physics
    Introduction to Space Physics (Cambridge Atmospheric & Space Science)

    Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
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    ASIN: 0521457149

    Book Description

    Designed as a text for upper-level undergraduate and first-year graduate students, this volume attempts to establish the curriculum for the modern student entering the fledgling field of space physics. The book provides a broad, yet selective, treatment of the subject, covering virtually all aspects of space plasmas in the solar system. There are sections on the sun and solar wind, the magnetized and unmagnetized planets, and the fundamental process of space plasmas including shocks, plasma waves, ULF waves, wave-particle interactions, and auroral processes. In addition to emphasizing analysis, the authors also place importance on underlying phenomenology with extensive attention to observations.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Space Physics? OH YEAH!.......2007-02-24

    When I'm in the mood for a little exploration of stellar structure or maybe some light magnetohydrodynamics, this is the first thing I grab off the shelf. It's kept me interested and not at all wanting to gouge my eyeballs out for weeks!

    4 out of 5 stars Introduction to Space Physics.......2000-05-02

    This is a very comprehensive book. It is excellent if you are beginer who knows basic electricity and magnetism, but have not dealt with space plasmas.
    An Introduction to Modern Cosmology
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • A Real Gem!
    • An Introduction to Modern Cosmology
    • Terrific introduction to cosmology
    • A concise and accessible overview.
    • An excellent introduction
    An Introduction to Modern Cosmology
    Andrew Liddle
    Manufacturer: Wiley
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 0470848359

    Book Description

    A concise, accessible introduction to this exciting and dynamic subject.
    * Adopts an approach grounded in physics rather than mathematics.
    * Includes worked examples and student problems, along with hints for solving them and the numerical answers.
    * Many reviewers have commented that this is one of the best 'introductory undergraduate level' texts on the subject and they would all welcome a Second Edition.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars A Real Gem!.......2005-12-08

    Andrew Liddle's little book is a real gem,and, apart from cosmology students, it should appeal to anyone seriously interested in understanding modern cosmology. Of course, there is an important prerequisite: the reader should have a college-level knowledge of maths and physics. Therefore, this is not a book for the general public, such as, e.g "A Brief History of Time" by S.W. HAWKING, or "The First Three Minutes" by S.WEINBERG.
    In fact, the book is divided in two distinct parts: the main body of the book, chapters 1 to 15, and the "Advanced Topics" section. The first part is self-sufficient, and covers all what is required for an honest but thorough understanding of the subject, using Newtonian mechanics only. The second part is meant for those readers who would like to explore a little deeper, but who must be familiar with General Relativity and tensor calculus. It is interesting to note here that the main body of Modern Cosmology can be understood without any reference to Einstein's theory.
    As the book is designed for students, the author has added a set of problems (with answers and hints at the end of the book) after each chapter. I consider that solving these problems is a must if one wants to make sure that the subject has been properly assimilated.
    Unfortunately, and even though this is the book's second edition, there is a number of errors, which the author has summarized in an Errata list posted on his Home Page on the Web.Therefore, readers should correct the text accordingly before getting on with their reading.
    But there is an error which has escaped both the author's and the reviewers scrutiny; it is to be found in paragraph A3.2.2, page 140. Here the subject of Heavy Neutrinos is treated, and the author introduces an "exponential suppression factor" which has the wrong notation,with the temperature term in the numerator of the negative exponent. As a result, one obtains the opposite effect of what is claimed, as this factor increases with the neutrino mass,going from 0 for very small masses to 1 for very large ones. Actually, the "exponential suppression factor" should have the form of equation (12.1), page 92, with the temperature term in the denominator of the exponent.
    But even then, the "predicted" neutrino mass of 1 GeV would make the exponential vanish [exp (-1000) = 0] and the neutrino density vanishes as well, instead of becoming equal to 1 as claimed.It seems that the author has a problem with exponential factors:at page 81, it is stated that the exponential in Eq 10.17 "will dominate if the temperature is much greater than the binding energy".In fact, in this case the exponential is very close to 1 and does not dominate.However, this has been taken care of in the Errata list.
    I am sure Dr. Liddle, whom I have informed of this new error on 30 November 2005, will remedy the situation by posting an update of paragraph A 3.2.2 on his Home Page.Because as it is, the whole paragraph does not make any sense at all...
    PS-On 13 December 2005, Dr Liddle addressed this error in his Errata list.

    3 out of 5 stars An Introduction to Modern Cosmology.......2005-08-28

    I sent this book back and got my mony back.
    Not because it was not a good book, but it was way beyond my mathmatical ability to read it.
    This is a very technical book, more geard towards a serious scientist.

    5 out of 5 stars Terrific introduction to cosmology.......2005-06-01

    That is a very good introduction book to cosmology at an undergraduate level. Although there are not many complicated equations, the physics ideas are very clear. It covers a lot of materials with easy-to-understand languages. The big bang model is the main part, with concise introduction to dark matter/energy, neuclosynthesis, cosmic microwave background, inflation etc. After reading this book, you will have a general idea about most of the concepts in cosmology and about what is going on in modern cosmology. Each chapter is accompanied by some problems, which are good exercise to understand the context. But I think it is a little outdated now, so maybe you should buy the 2nd edition.

    4 out of 5 stars A concise and accessible overview........2004-03-29

    This is a highly readable introduction to Cosmology. The author states clearly that the approach is grounded in physics rather than mathematics and indeed, any reader with a basic grasp of single-variable calculus would cope with the derivations that are presented. Its ready accessibility would make it an enjoyable introduction for those working on their own wanting more than a 'popular 'account of Cosmology.I have adapted and used some of the material and problems for my year 13 physics class.

    The main body of the book is self-contained and requires no further material for the interested reader to get to grips with the rudiments of the standard cosmological models. More complex results are stated without derivation and some are used as the basis for the exercises. The 'Advanced' topics require a little more of the reader and are presented as brief summaries rather than being rigorous. For example ,the chapter on General Relativistic Cosmology is 'for those readers who have experienced some general relativity'. As a teacher of physics,I found this book to be a very useful addition to my library.

    5 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction.......2002-08-10

    I came across this book because it was required reading for my cosmology course. The book gives a Newtonian (it only briefly mentions the much more complicated General Relativity equations) overview of the current theories about the universe: its mass, its age, its shape and its ultimate destiny. The text is very readable, equations are explained properly and the diagrams are useful. The reader is left with a good impression of why the currently proposed cosmological models are sensible.

    The book puts the case for the hot big bang model, which is by far the most popular cosmological model at this time. There is a chapter on the successes of this model: explanation of the cosmic background radiation, universal expansion, and the relative abundance of elements in the early universe. There follows a chapter on the major problems of this model: how come the background radiation looks the same (to within one part in a hundred thousand) everywhere, even when light hasn't had time to travel between all these regions? How did the universe become structured (into things such as stars) when physics predicts that matter should be homogeneously spread? And why does the universe (seemingly) possess the exact right density (to almost infinitessimal precision) to stay flat, as we see it today? Inflation theory offers some help, but at the same time asks a bigger question: which of the many inflation theories (if any) is right? Liddle doesn't go into much detail on this point, but you get a good introduction into what inflation is and why such an odd theory would be proposed.

    I'm making it sound as if the big bang model has more problems than it solves, which I don't think it does (heck, it's the best theory we've got). But the problems are more interesting!

    On which subject, there are problems (solvable ones!) at the end of each chapter, with brief solutions at the end of the book.
    An Introduction to the Sun and Stars
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Excellent Second Book
    An Introduction to the Sun and Stars

    Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 0521546222

    Book Description

    Compiled by a team of experts, this textbook has been designed for elementary university courses in astronomy and astrophysics. Beginning with a discussion of our nearest star, the Sun, the volume then considers how astronomers study the basic physical properties and life-cycles of more distant stars. Exotic objects such as black holes are also introduced. The text contains numerous useful learning features such as boxed summaries, student exercises with full solutions, and a glossary of terms. It is also supported by a website hosting further teaching materials. Written in an accessible style that avoids complex mathematics, this book is suitable for self-study and will appeal to amateur astronomers as well as undergraduate students.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Excellent Second Book.......2006-08-08

    This is another introductory astronomy text similar to "Voyages to the Stars and Galaxies" by Fraknoi, Morrison, and Wolff but with a little more math. I bought this book with the intention that it would take me a step further than "Voyages". Unfortunately I've been somewhat disappointed with it. Not that "An Introduction to the Sun and Stars" is not a good book. It is, and it has some noteworthy features, but overall it is not as clearly written as "Voyages".

    What I did like about "An Introduction to the Sun and Stars" were the problems. In this respect the book succeeded perfectly in what I was looking for... a step beyond "Voyages". At an introductory level the problems were ideal. They required nothing more than a decent high school math background, but they were well considered to support, highlight, and illuminate the text. Also, the answers to the problems were well written, and helped to clarify many concepts.

    Another nice feature of "An Introduction to the Sun and Stars" are the many excellent diagrams. These really helped to clarify numerous points in the text.

    As it's title suggests "An Introduction to the Sun and Stars" is limited in scope to our Sun and stars in general. It does not cover anything related to galaxies or cosmology. For that you would need the companion book, appropriately titled "An Introduction to Galaxies and Cosmology". So two books are required to cover the same material as "Voyages to the Stars and Galaxies", (though admittedly in somewhat more depth). The contents of "An Introduction to the Sun and Stars" include:

    1. Seeing the Sun
    2. The Working Sun
    3. Measuring Stars
    4. Comparing Stars
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    6. The Main Sequence Life of Stars
    7. The Life of Stars Beyond the Main Sequence
    8. The Death of Stars
    9. The Remnants of Stars


    Bottom line is this is an excellent book for introductory problems in astronomy, but if you are looking for an introducory book to give a clear overview of astronomy, I recommend "Voyages to the Stars and Galaxies" by Fraknoi, Morrison, and Wolff. If you already have a pretty good grasp on the big picture, then "An Introduction to the Sun and Stars" provides a gentle stepping stone into a bit more detail including an excellent set of introductory problems. It is certainly a worthy addition to any astronomy library.
    The Deep Sky: An Introduction (Sky & Telescope Observer's Guides)
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Never Go Observing Without It
    • Essential reference work for the amateur astronomer
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    The Deep Sky: An Introduction (Sky & Telescope Observer's Guides)
    Philip S. Harrington
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    3. Binocular Highlights: 99 Celestial Sights for Binocular Users (Sky & Telescope Stargazing) Binocular Highlights: 99 Celestial Sights for Binocular Users (Sky & Telescope Stargazing)
    4. NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
    5. Star Watch: The Amateur Astronomer's Guide to Finding, Observing, and Learning About over 125 Celestial Objects Star Watch: The Amateur Astronomer's Guide to Finding, Observing, and Learning About over 125 Celestial Objects

    ASIN: 0933346808

    Book Description

    Here is the perfect reference for anyone who owns a telescope or a pair of binoculars, but doesn't know what to look for amid the constellations. It explains how to find double and multiple stars, variable stars, open and globular clusters, nebulae, and galaxies -- and what you'll see when you do. Includes 36 full-page sky charts; equipment, books, and software suggestions; sketches of how deep-sky objects look through a small telescope; and more than 100 black-and-white photographs.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Never Go Observing Without It.......2005-02-27

    I have a well used, copy of this book that I find essential while planning a nights viewing session; I also keep it next to my telescope when observing. As the title suggests, only deep sky objects such as nebulas and galaxies are covered. Objects like the moon and planets are "shallow sky" objects and aren't listed. Most of the objects are probably visible in telescopes of medium size from dark sky locations.

    This book is divided into 3 main portions. The first briefly covers various types of objects, and equipment and techniques to observe them. The next part lists constellations seasonally. Deep sky objects are listed along with descriptions and star-hopping methods for locating them. The last part is a Mag 6 star atlas, with all the listed objects shown.

    One of the other reviewers bemoaned that the descriptions don't mention the pages they appear in the atlas. I agree it would be a nice touch, and is the one thing that I'd wish for.
    In my case, I've scribbled notes and underlined portions of text.

    Despite this, I highly recommend this book. I find it one of the better beginner-intermediate selections in this field. It doesn't take up too much valuable space, but lists a number of objects both common and overlooked. I keep it with my charts, and it's one of a very select group of objects I keep with my telescope.

    5 out of 5 stars Essential reference work for the amateur astronomer.......2004-04-07

    This work by Phil Harrington should be in the reference library of any amateur astronomer. Although it has been to some extent superseded by the author's "Star Watch" , information is provided on a more exhaustive listing of objects.

    The general impression one receives upon cracking the cover of this book , is of library quality rather than a "field book" , since the paper stock is of high quality gloss finish. I would use this book indoors to plan my observing sessions and use either photocopies of the star charts appended at the end of the book , or a field type star chart for outdoor use.

    More classes of objects are covered in this volume than in "Star Watch" : galaxies , asterisms , star clusters , multiple stars , and quasars are all represented. Rather extensive verbal descriptions are included with directions for finding approximately 300 celestial objects , along with very interesting descriptions and explanations of them. The only criticism I have is that a few of the Messier objects are not included.

    In a direct comparison with "Star Watch" , I find this volume to be more difficult to use. For a beginning astronomer , I would recommend this book as a follow-up project once the skies are familiar. "Star Watch" is a bit more user friendly for beginners. I still rate this work 5 stars and recommend it. The author has an excellent approach to finding and explaining celestial wonders.

    5 out of 5 stars A Valuable Reference for Beginning Amateur Astronomers.......2002-06-21

    The well written content of this book aids the reader in star-hopping to find about 300 of the finest deep sky objects down to 60S declination, using excellent text, photos and sketches to describe their appearance.

    The first five chapters contain excellent instructive material, followed by the seasonally ordered descriptive material. The reference material in the back includes useful listings of data on the objects described in the book, the constellations, the Messier Objects, an excellent Bibliography and useful addresses listing many web sites in both cases, in addition to a Star Atlas.

    The unusual atlas included at the back is appropriate for the magnitudes of the objects described in the book. Unfortunately the author failed to include a crucial bit of information for each description by omitting a page reference for the location of the objects in the Atlas. Perhaps this will be corrected in a future edition of a book which will certainly merit further printings.

    Despite this annoying defect, this is a good buy and a valuable tool for a beginning star observer. Although some of the objects described can be seen with good binoculars and a few with the naked eye, you will need at least a 100mm telescope or better to see many of them.
    Cosmology: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • decent introduction, but needs more
    • Surprisingly readable
    • An excellent introduction to cosmology
    • A very good introduction to cosmology
    Cosmology: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)
    Peter Coles
    Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 019285416X

    Book Description

    This book is a simple, non-technical introduction to cosmology, explaining what it is and what cosmologists do. Peter Coles discusses the history of the subject, the development of the Big Bang theory, and more speculative modern issues like quantum cosmology, superstrings, and dark matter.

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars decent introduction, but needs more.......2007-05-07

    In an introduction to a topic, one expects lots of figures to explain just about every topic. This book, and indeed the entire series, generally has rather few figures. The series also, generally, focuses on the historical development of the topic and not necessarily on the current understanding of the topic. Therefore, the series sacrifices a better explanation of our current understanding to explain who thought what and when. However, that is a matter of personal taste as to whether this is a digression or not. Nonetheless, this book serves adequately in the capacity of a "very short introduction."

    5 out of 5 stars Surprisingly readable.......2006-07-12

    I never would have expected a book with chapters discussing physics concepts to be enjoyable or understandable. Nor did I expect a book on cosmology to include that type of thing in the first place, which shows how little I knew about the topic before I read this. Needless to say, understanding the concepts author Peter Coles presents and actually wanting to know more about them was a pleasant surprise.

    This book flows smoothly from topic to topic, and the author does a good job of explaining things at a level detailed enough so you get some of the science behind things but not at a level so in depth that the average reader would be lost. A few helpful diagrams are also scattered about the book in places which would otherwise cause confusion. Where applicable, Coles gives brief introductions to various competing theories and points out both their strong and weak points.

    Despite being "a very short introduction," the book is very solid and thorough. The information presented is well organized and builds upon itself, so essential concepts are reinforced even as new ones are discussed. After finishing the text, I skimmed through the index and found that I actually remembered what most things listed there were. The only exceptions were names of people, and those aren't exactly essential to understanding the subject matter.

    I started this book without a completely accurate idea of what cosmology is, and I finished it knowing far more about it than I expected to. As such, I must say Coles was extremely successful in writing "a very short introduction" to cosmology, and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject.

    5 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction to cosmology.......2005-08-07

    First, be warned that Amazon has mixed up two very different books here. Cosmology: A Very Short Introduction is the 139-page paperback I am reviewing. The editorial review refers to Cosmology: The Origin and Evolution of Cosmic Structures, a 520-page hardcover. At the time of writing this review, Amazon have the two books confused and you will find the same editorial and user reviews under each. So if you order one, make sure it's the right one.

    Anyway, Cosmology VSI is excellent. Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.

    Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.

    4 out of 5 stars A very good introduction to cosmology.......2004-03-28

    Professor Coles' book on cosmology in the VSI series is a very good introduction to the subject. If you search for a first book on the subject, that's it (although you can also choose Stephen Hawking's Brief History of Time and the contents of these two books could complement with each other)! It provides an overview of the key concepts of cosmology in non-technical language while preserving room for deeper thought and exploration for those who are not satisfied with an introduction.

    In my opinion, Chapter 2 provides the best simplified exposition of Einstein's relativity and here and there the book shows very clear exposition of the Hubble's law with kept-to-minimum mathematical presentation which is comprehensible by the general reader without relevant training at all.

    Although it may be my own problem, I cannot quite get hold of the key concept of the Friedmann models. The models are first presented in Chapter 3 but they are often quoted in later chapters. Reading them all together, I fail to make a coherent understanding on the models.
    Galaxies in the Universe: An Introduction
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Good, but not great
    Galaxies in the Universe: An Introduction
    Linda S. Sparke , and III, John S. Gallagher
    Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 0521671868

    Book Description

    This extensively illustrated book presents the astrophysics of galaxies since their beginnings in the early Universe. It has been thoroughly revised to take into account the most recent observational data, and recent discoveries such as dark energy. There are new sections on galaxy clusters, gamma ray bursts and supermassive black holes. The authors explore the basic properties of stars and the Milky Way before working out towards nearby galaxies and the distant Universe. They discuss the structures of galaxies and how galaxies have developed, and relate this to the evolution of the Universe. The book also examines ways of observing galaxies across the whole electromagnetic spectrum, and explores dark matter and its gravitational pull on matter and light. This book is self-contained and includes several homework problems with hints. It is ideal for advanced undergraduate students in astronomy and astrophysics.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Good, but not great.......2004-05-16

    This book is a little dense and its homework problems are especially confusing because of the poor framework laid out to solve them.

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