Author Description

This book offers a unique approach to learning astrophysics by combining rigorous scientific content with an engaging narrative. It introduces readers to the fundamental principles of stellar evolution, star formation, binary interactions, and gravitational astrophysics through the story of seven stars, the Seven Sisters, who were born in the Pleiades cluster and travel through the Milky Way. The Pleiades can be seen with the naked eye from Earth, near the Orion and Taurus constellations. They are the brightest stars in the cluster and have a rich Greek mythology that accompanies them. The authors use this to educate readers about astrophysical concepts and the often-complex interplay between them. It introduces and explains astrophysical concepts in an accessible and enjoyable way without sacrificing scientific accuracy. A tiered format, supported by color-coded educational boxes, allows readers to explore topics at three levels of depth, making the book suitable for learners with varying backgrounds. The integration of narrative, dialogue, and visualizations illustrate key concepts and reinforce over-arching themes throughout. It will be a valuable resource for senior high school students seeking an introduction to astrophysics, in addition to undergraduate and graduate students looking for a conceptual primer. It can also be enjoyed by educators and enthusiasts interested in the topic. Key features: Melds together education and fiction to offer an introduction to stellar and gravitational astrophysics. Structured with tiered, colour-coded boxes for three levels of conceptual depth. Incorporates a story and character-driven dialogue alongside numerous illustrations and visualizations to enhance understanding.