Black Holes and the Universe [Paperback]

A popular account of the properties and significance of black holes.Formed by the force of gravity, warping space and time, crushing stars and perhaps galaxies, black holes represent the most condensed state of matter in the universe. Their properties and significance are explored by a scientist hailed as Russia's answer to Stephen Hawking. Formed by the force of gravity, warping space and time, crushing stars and perhaps galaxies, black holes represent the most condensed state of matter in the universe. Their properties and significance are explored by a scientist hailed as Russia's answer to Stephen Hawking. Igor Novikov has been hailed as Russia's answer to Stephen Hawking. In this popular account of the cosmic importance of black holes, he explores the properties and significance of these mysterious phenomena, which represent the most condensed state of matter in the Universe. Black holes are formed by the force of gravity, warping space and time, crushing stars and perhaps galaxies, too, until they fall in on themselves. Novikov's fascinating account illuminates this most enigmatic feature of our Universe with exemplary clarity, illustrated with a series of inspired cartoon drawings.Part I. Black Holes: 1. What is a black hole?; 2. Around a black hole; 3. A gravitational abyss as an energy source; 4. The search for black holes; 5. Black holes and quanta; Part II. To The Bounds Of Infinity: 1. The Universe after the explosion; 2. Mechanics of the Universe; 3. The hot Universe; 4. Neutrino Universe or '... ino' Universe?; 5. At the frontiers of the known; Conclusion.'A delightful popular book that deserves a wider audience.' New Scientist'As clear an account as you will find of the nature of curved space, the origin of the Universe, and its ultimate fate. All in all a compact package from one of the leading Russian cosmologists.' The Good Book Guide