This introduction to astronomy and astrophysics provides an accessible and clear treatment of the fundamentals. Starting with experimental astronomy, observation techniques and structure and properties of the components of the solar system, this textbook enables the reader to understand the basics in astrophysics. The text is written from the experimental physics point of view, giving numerous real life examples and detailed instrumentation and experimental methods. This highly motivating presentation deepens the knowledge in a very accessible way. The second part of the text gives a concise introduction to stars and extra-solar planets. The stellar evolution and categorization is explained. The last part features cosmological models, galaxy evolution and large scale objects in the universe. Numerous problems with solutions are perfect for self-study.

Professor Wolfgang Demtröder worked as research associate in the US and at University of Freiburg. After 30 years as full professor at the University of Kaiserslautern where he gave lectures on different fields of physics, in particular on astrophysics, he is now professor emeritus at the University of Kaiserslautern, Germany. His research focuses on laser spectroscopy and molecular physics. His textbooks on laser spectroscopy and on experimental physics are considered classics in the respective fields.