Introduction to Special Relativity and Space Science

Relativity deals with the relative motion in space and time whereas space science describes the motion of the celestial objects in it. This book provides an accessible introduction to the special theory of relativity. Starting from the basics of light and electromagnetism students are then gently introduced to the conflict between Maxwells electromagnetic theory and Newtonian mechanics which led Einstein to special relativity. The later chapters serve as an introduction to basic cosmology and astrophysics fields where the fascinating discoveries owe much to the application of the special and general theories of relativity. This book is based on author’s classroom lectures.