First, you’ll need an engaging intro to physics. Without enthusiasm, anything you do will be boring. In the 60’s, books by George Gamow interested me, as did books on astronomy and astrophysics. I can’t say what newer books would help, though I will give that a look.<p>To learn the basics, something like The Feynmann Lectures on Physics.<p>Description and links:<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Feynman_Lectures_on_Physics" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Feynman_Lectures_on_Physic...</a><p>The lectures online:<p><a href="https://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/info/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/info/</a><p>But if you are serious, know that there are really varied branches of physics, some theoretical and some experimental. The theoretical branch (and making it through grad school) will demand lots and lots of math, and not the “numerical” kind that is common in computing. You might get familiar with symbolic math computing, such as MAXIMA.<p>Experimental work is very hands-on, but since so much of it is quantum level, the math is also important. Lesson I learned: if you want to really do physics, learn to love math, advanced stuff.<p>But if you do get into experimental physics, there are some pretty exciting projects. Just today, I found this article.<p>If you want something done right, do it yourself: the scientists who build their own tools<p><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-04015-0" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-04015-0</a><p>Astronomy and Astrophysics are similar. You can go experimental, and of course, reduce tons and tons of data. But cosmology is going to require mostly math as your tool, relativity and quantum physics, perhaps the twain will meet.<p>Of course, you could go the circular route, as I did. I got a B.S. in physics, did optical and electronic engineering, and eventually got a job supporting computing at an outstanding physics department.<p>I was a great experience, but when funds were cut, I went on to other, mostly computer-related, jobs.<p>Personally, I took a liking to optics, which requires knowledge of physics, but it was something I could hold in my hands ( i.e. a camera ) or not hold, as in space optics. My optical engineering days were very enjoyable.