Edge of Infinity: Supermassive Black Holes in the Universe

Author: Fulvio Melia (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: In the past, black holes were considered the most destructive forces in nature. Now, with a series of stunning discoveries that have gradually deepened our understanding, the position of supermassive black holes in the cosmic catalog has undergone a significant transformation. Astronomy is revealing the crucial role these celestial bodies played in the formation of early cosmic structures: triggering explosive star formation, creating planets, and even life. They may have contributed up to half of all radiation produced after the Big Bang, and there are as many as 200 million hidden within the vast expanse of the observable universe. What is the significance of these massive disturbances to the structure of spacetime for our origins and ultimate fate? Fulvio Melia conveys the captivating answers to these profound questions in elegant and straightforward language.