What We Are Reading Today: ‘Dynamics and Astrophysics of Galaxies’

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Updated 24 June 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Dynamics and Astrophysics of Galaxies’

Author: Jo Bovy

This book provides an in-depth introduction to the dynamics, formation, and evolution of galaxies.

Starting with the basics of galactic structure and galactic dynamics, it helps students develop a sophisticated understanding of the orbital structure of spirals, ellipticals, and other types of galaxies.

The book demonstrates how observations led to the discovery that galaxies are dominated by dark matter and explores in detail how structure evolves from the primordial universe to form the halos that host galaxies.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Python Practice Lab’

Updated 07 December 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Python Practice Lab’

Authors: Angelica Lim and Victor Cheung

This classroom-tested, workbook-style text teaches basic programming by guiding readers to write Python programs that mimic interactive chatbots. 

Unlike textbooks with opaque examples explained in dry, monotonous code, Python Practice Lab engages readers immediately, with more than thirty motivating and hands-on examples. 

Readers learn by writing fun, working programs that gradually become more difficult as new concepts are introduced.