Essential Astrophysics is a book to learn or teach from, as well as a fundamental reference for anyone interested in astronomy and astrophysics. This unique volume can be used as a textbook, teaching guide, or reference source for just about anyone interested in astronomy and astrophysics. It serves as a comprehensive, introductory text, which takes the student through the ?eld of astrophysics in lecture-sized chapters of basic physical principles
applied to the cosmos. Undergraduate students with an interest in the physical sciences, such as astronomy, chemistry, engineering, or physics, will enjoy this one-semester overview. The text is of suf?cient breadth and depth to prepare the interested student for more advanced, specialized courses in the future. The clarity and comprehensive nature of Essential Astrophysics make it a signi?cant resource for the curious reader that is unfamiliar with astrophysics or for professional astronomers who may have forgotten the basics.