This is a concise introduction to modern astrophysics for physicists, with a focus on galaxy dynamics and the discovery of dark matter halos in galaxies. Part I summarizes important discoveries in observational astronomy and astrophysics, in a manner accessible to those who are new to the topic. Building on this foundation, Part II describes the study of dark matter and provides more detail on galactic dynamics. Important physical concepts that form the basis of key astrophysical phenomena are explained, avoiding unnecessary technicalities and complex derivations. The approach is semi-empirical and emphasizes the importance of key measurements and observations in formulating fundamental theoretical questions and developing their solutions. Students are encouraged to develop a deep understanding of major discoveries and contemporary research topics, beyond the simple application of practical models and formulae, as a bridge to more advanced study in astrophysics.

‘The book is a little gem, highly recommended not only for prospective astronomy students but also for professional physicists wishing to gain solid fundamentals on several topics of modern astrophysics, with special emphasis on galaxy dynamics and on the evidence for the presence of dark matter in astronomical systems. Particularly praised is the fresh treatment of important concepts and results in classical dynamics, unfortunately quite often undervalued or dismissed as trivial in contemporary expositions. No doubt this book will be widely adopted in undergraduate and graduate courses.’

Luca Ciotti - Full Professor, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna

‘Any physicist or physics student who wants an introduction to astrophysics would do well to start here: it is a great survey of our modern picture of the universe, covering a wealth of topics, each ideally suited for an undergraduate or master’s thesis or essay project. Though the author is primarily known as a theorist, it is focused on the discoveries and problems thrown up by observational research, and it repeatedly illustrates the tortuous routes by which the current picture has been reached. It is well referenced to the original literature, from which most of the figures are taken, and into which the reader will repeatedly want to delve.’

Douglas Heggie - Emeritus Professor, University of Edinburgh