Gravity's Fatal Attraction
Black Holes in the Universe
3rd Edition
Published on 5. November 2020
Book
Paperback/Softback
350 pages
978-1-108-81905-3 (ISBN)
Description
Richly illustrated with the images from observatories on the ground and in space, and computer simulations, this book shows how black holes were discovered, and discusses what we've learned about their nature and their role in cosmic evolution. This thoroughly updated third edition covers new discoveries made in the past decade, including the discovery of gravitational waves from merging black holes and neutron stars, the first close-up images of the region near a black hole event horizon, and observations of debris from stars torn apart when they ventured too close to a supermassive black hole. Avoiding mathematics, the authors blend theoretical arguments with observational results to demonstrate how both have contributed to the subject. Clear, explanatory illustrations and photographs reveal the strange and amazing workings of our universe. The engaging style makes this book suitable for introductory undergraduate courses, amateur astronomers, and all readers interested in astronomy and physics.
Reviews / Votes
'Gravity's Fatal Attraction has masterfully enlightened two decades of my undergraduates with its spellbinding examination of the astrophysical roles of black holes in our cosmos - this updated edition, including the latest black-hole breakthroughs, will remain a peerless resource for years to come.' Niel Brandt, Pennsylvania State University 'In this singular book, Mitchell Begelman and Martin Rees lead us on a masterful tour of the mysterious physics, astronomical reality, and wonder of black holes.' Philip Armitage, Stony Brook University 'A remarkably readable and insightful exposition of nature's most exotic objects by two of the world's leading astrophysicists. This new edition brings the reader right up to the frontiers of the field, including discussions of the gravitational waves that we have now observed from merging black holes, as well as the remarkable advancements in event horizon imaging.' Christopher Reynolds, University of Cambridge 'Gravity's Fatal Attraction is an ideal book for those wanting to learn more about the fascinating physics of black holes and the Universe in a way that is technical rather than science fiction, but still readable and never condescending or needlessly mathematical.' Katie Sawers, Astronomy NowMore details
Edition
3rd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Edition type
Revised edition
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 246 mm
Width: 189 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
648 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-108-81905-3 (9781108819053)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
10/2020
3rd Edition
Cambridge University Press
€26.49
Available for download
Previous edition
Book
12/2009
2nd Edition
Cambridge University Press
€74.40
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
Mitchell Begelman is Professor of Distinction in Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences and a fellow of JILA, at the University of Colorado-Boulder. He has won several awards, including the Guggenheim Fellowship, Sloan Research Fellowship, the American Astronomical Society Warner Prize, and the American Institute of Physics Science Writing Award (with Martin Rees, for the first edition of Gravity's Fatal Attraction). He is also the author of Turn Right at Orion: Travels through the Cosmos. Martin Rees is the UK's Astronomer Royal, a fellow (and former Master) of Trinity College, and was President of the Royal Society from 2005 to 2010. He is a foreign associate of the National Academy of Sciences, the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Pontifical Academy, the Japan Academy, and several other foreign academies. His awards include the Balzan Prize, the Bower Award, the Gruber Prize, the Crafoord Prize, and the Templeton Prize. In addition to his research publications, he has written extensively for a general readership. His ten other books include Before the Beginning, Just Six Numbers, Our Cosmic Habitat, and On the Future: Prospects for Humanity.
Content
Preface to the Third Edition; 1. Gravity Triumphant; 2. Stars and Their Fates; 3. Black Holes in Our Backyard; 4. Galaxies and Their Nuclei; 5. Quasars and Kin; 6. Jets; 7. Blasts from the Past; 8. Black Holes in Hibernation; 9. Cosmic Feedback; 10. Postcards from the Edge; 11. Gravitational Waves; 12. Through the Horizon; Appendix: Gravity and Cosmic Dimensions; Further Reading; Index.