Preface -- Introduction -- Basic Principles and Techniques of Experimental Astronomy -- Measuring Techniques and Detectors -- Our Solar System -- Birth, Lifetime and Death of Stars -- The Development and Present Structure of the Universe -- Our Home Galaxy: The Milky Way -- The Dark Universe -- The Evolution of our Solar System -- Solutions of Problems.

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.