An accessible student-friendly guide to the key theories and principles of astrophysics

Includes numerous illustrations and examples to enhance student understanding

Focuses on the how of astronomy- how densities, temperatures, masses, energies are actually determined

Each chapter focuses on a physical process that is illustrated with relevant examples and shows how the information we receive either in particles or waves provides us with an understanding of the astronomical object

Key background information is provided putting the subject firmly into context

Gives the physics first and moves on to provide examples of the theory in practice

Includes further reading and problems at the end of each chapter.