num_pages: 304
description: The astonishing science of black holes and their role in understanding the history and future of our universe. Black holes are the most extreme objects in the universe and yet they are ubiquitous. Every massive star leaves behind a black hole when it dies and every galaxy harbors a supermassive black hole at its center. Frighteningly enigmatic these dark giants continue to astound even the scientists who spend their careers studying them. Which came first the galaxy or its central black hole? What happens if you travel into oneinstant death or something weirder? And perhaps most important how can we ever know anything for sure about black holes when they destroy information by their very nature? In Einsteins Monsters  distinguished astronomer Chris Impey takes readers on an exploration of these and other questions at the cutting edge of astrophysics as well as the history of black holes role in theoretical physicsfrom confirming Einsteins equations for general relativity to testing string theory. He blends this history with a poignant account of the phenomena scientists have witnessed while observing black stars swarming like bees around the center of our galaxy; black holes performing gravitational waltzes with visible stars; the cymbal clash of two black holes colliding releasing ripples in space-time. Clear compelling and profound Einsteins Monsters reveals how our comprehension of black holes is intrinsically linked to how we make sense of the universe and our place within it. From the small questions to the big onesfrom the tiniest particles to the nature of space-time itselfblack holes might be the key to a deeper understanding of the cosmos. 68 illustrations
language: English
title: Einstein's Monsters: The Life and Times of Black Holes
publisher: W. W. Norton & Company