Reddit mentions of Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics (Saunders Golden Sunburst Series)

For Astrophysics I'm currently reading though "An introduction to Modern Astrophysics".

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Introduction-Modern-Astrophysics-Bradley-Carroll/dp/0321442849/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1250531129&sr=8-1

And "Introductory Astronomy & Astrophysics"

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Introductory-Astronomy-Astrophysics-Saunders-Sunburst/dp/0030062284/ref=pd_sim_b_2

Both are really good, though fairly hard core on the maths (By hardcore I mean high school calculus which I haven't had to use in 15 years). I had to buy a calculus book to refresh my memory.

I'm also prob going to sign up for a masters in astrophysics later this year, part-time remote learning, just for the hell of it. No real interest in switching fields, just interested in it.

For reading, I read "New Scientist". Yes, it sometimes doesn't go into the greatest depth, but there's always something in each issue that I never knew before.

edit: btw the degree I was planning on signing up for is http://www.jcu.edu.au/school/mathphys/astronomy/mmasters.shtml

You should definitely start with books! Buy one online, maybe a second-hand one to get it cheaper.

I don't know what's your level of studies but you should start with an Introduction to Astronomy to get an overview, and then focus on what you like most (and yes read other books).

I liked very much:

https://www.amazon.com/Introductory-Astronomy-Astrophysics-Saunders-Sunburst/dp/0030062284

What are you trying to learn? Backyard astronomy/amateur observing? Or do you want to know the science describing the stars and other objects?

If you want to learn about telescopes, techniques, what's where in the sky and how to find it, and a little description about the fuzzy object you're looking at, then Stellarium/Skyview as mentioned are great resources, as well as forums and books.

If you want to learn more of the science itself... the methods that real astronomers use, the large scale behavior of the universe, the different types of galaxies and nebulae out there, models of stellar structure and evolution, etc. Then definitely check out the free lectures posted by twilight moons. Maybe also consider getting a survey-course astronomy text like Zeilik and Gregory.

My usual recommendation for a good all-round astronomy book is the DK Eyewitness Companion: Astronomy written by Ian Ridpath.

For university level astronomy and physics, Zeilik & Gregory's Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics is a go to text.

For a more historical look at key astronomers, Stuart Clark's "The Sky's Dark Labyrinth" Trilogy is worth a read.

H.A. Rey's "The Stars: A New Way to See Them" is a good one if you find the constellations of interest.

Failing that, I'm in the process of writing a book. So people might be able to buy that at some point.