The Edge of Infinity
Supermassive Black Holes in the Universe
1st Edition
Published on 19. December 2007
978-0-511-25260-0 (ISBN)
Description
In the past, they were recognized as the most destructive force in nature. Now, following a cascade of astonishing discoveries, supermassive black holes have undergone a dramatic shift in paradigm. Astronomers are finding out that these objects may have been critical to the formation of structure in the early universe, spawning bursts of star formation, planets, and even life itself. They may have contributed as much as half of all the radiation produced after the Big Bang, and as many as 200 million of them may now be lurking through the vast expanses of the observable cosmos. In this elegant, non-technical account, Melia conveys for the general reader the excitement generated by the quest to expose what these giant distortions in the fabric of space and time have to say about our origin and ultimate destiny.
Reviews / Votes
'Il libro di Fulvio Melia e ... un volumetto agile, ricco d'illustrazioni, in stile assolutamente divulgativo, ma con molti spunti originali e interessanti.' le Stelle '... an interesting insight into the story of black hole research during the last few decades ... A recommended read.' Astronomy Now 'Melia is Professor of Astronomy at the University of Arizona and there is no doubt that he knows what he is talking about.' Journal of the British Astronomical AssociationMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Cambridge University Press
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
39 Plates, color; 5 Halftones, unspecified
File size
1,68 MB
ISBN-13
978-0-511-25260-0 (9780511252600)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
09/2003
Cambridge University Press
€75.60
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Fulvio Melia is Professor of Astronomy and Associate Head of Physics at the University of Arizona.
Content
Preface; 1. The most powerful objects in the universe; 2. Weighing supermassive objects; 3. The black hole spacetime; 4. Formation of supermassive black holes; 5. Relativistic ejection of plasma; 6. Supermassive black holes in the universe.
