Space and Stuff : It's Big

[BainesontoastNEW]

Thanks for all the advice so far, folks. Popping into Waterstones tomorrow to pick up that Bill Bryson book. I'm aware of Bryson already, plus I'm interested that two people ITT have essentially recommended it as a digestible entry point

Probably won't start reading until after Christmas/New Year due to how hectic the period is.

 

[chrismpw]

Based in the NW, yeah. Would I still need a Maths class if I got a good grade at high school? How long is the grade relevant for? I left in 06.

I found that, even though I got the concepts with little trouble, I struggled with the maths in A level physics, having got a B in maths at O Level. Mind you, that was 40 years ago now, so they're probably both 1st year uni level now!

 

[verreauxi]

Folks, I'm wondering if I could reach out for some advice from people who frequent this thread? Essentially, I'm looking to get into Physics next year. I'd like to know the key sources/theorists right now. I'm already aware of Brian Cox for what it's worth, I find him immeasurably interesting and deserving of his reputation.

A comprehensive reading/listening list through websites, podcasts, etc would be fantastic. Friendly for a beginner would be nice, but I'm not opposed to complex subject matter if it's delivered in a "digestible" manner.

Thank you!

Many years back I read two great popular books that deal with quantum physics: The Tao of Physics, and also The Dancing Wu Li Masters (both are probably quite dated by now). Both are very readable. Also, heard very good things about Steven Hawkings popular book.

And more recently, almost any popular book by Sean Carroll (e.g., the biggest ideas in the universe). Also books by Roger Penrose, but avoid "The Road to Reality" it is not a popular science book despite being marketed as such. There are mathemetical symbols in that book that I've never seen (not that I'm mathematician, but I am exposed to a fair amount of math in my studies).

 

[Rita_Poon]

Neil deGrasse Tyson is interesting in his own way and he makes a concerted effort to make things digestible, although the comedian sidekick on his StarTalk podcast is a bit much for my liking. Richard Feynman's (deceased) written works, Brian Greene (alive)...as you mentioned, Cox is a modern standout. If you want German seriousness with accompanying German humour try Sabine Hossenfelder, she's all over YouTube. Also, for a read try 'The Theoretical Minimum' by Leonard Susskin. I can't tell you everything, otherwise I'd deprive your curious mind of exploration and discovery and that's half the fun.

Bit of a hero this chap. So highly thought of, was recruited to investigate (in full blooded nature!) the space shuttle challenger disaster. And investigate and find the culprit he did.
It's not just anyone that gets a pictorial method of describing the behaviour of subatomic particles named after them (his method ofc) the Feynman Diagram.
Fascinating man, there's a series of books and lectures I really should be more versed with. A PhD I know (Aeronautics) raves about him regularly.

 

[DualityNSNO]

"The Character of Physical law" (in pdf here)

Actually didn't put the link to it, even though it is among the 1st google results

 

[Wizard]

Bit of a hero this chap. So highly thought of, was recruited to investigate (in full blooded nature!) the space shuttle challenger disaster. And investigate and find the culprit he did.
It's not just anyone that gets a pictorial method of describing the behaviour of subatomic particles named after them (his method ofc) the Feynman Diagram.
Fascinating man, there's a series of books and lectures I really should be more versed with. A PhD I know (Aeronautics) raves about him regularly.

You’ve just read the first couple of paragraphs of his Wikipedia entry.