Fireworks in a Dark Universe

This popular science book offers a glimpse into a plethora of extreme cosmic phenomena in which the theories of modern physics, particularly quantum mechanics and general relativity, play a key role. Despite their vastly different appearances, these cosmic phenomena have much in common: they are all powered by exotic stars — black holes, neutron stars and white dwarfs — collectively called compact objects.

The book describes, in accessible language, the physics underlying these phenomena, the historical background that led to their discovery, and the various observational techniques used by astronomers for their exposure. The book contains many spectacular photographs taken with modern telescopes around the world and satellites of different space agencies, as well as illustrations specially prepared by the author to enhance the reading experience.

Contents: IntroductionFirst Episode: The Universe and All That Is In It:The History of the UniverseThe Genesis of Galaxies and the Birth of Giant Black HolesStellar Evolution — From Dust Cloud to Black HoleSecond Episode: Physics and Astronomy in the 21st Century:Matter, Force, and Symmetry in NaturePrinciples of Modern AstronomyElectromagnetic Radiation: Kinds and ClassesThe Elusive NeutrinoGravitational Waves: Spacetime VibrationsCosmic Rays — A Shower of Energetic Particles from the UniverseThird Episode: A Menagerie of Extreme Phenomena:White Dwarfs and the Quantum TheoryNeurton Stars — The Largest Atomic Nuclei in the UniverseQuark Stars and Strange MatterLighthouses in the UniverseMagnetars — The Universe's Largest MagnetsBlack Holes — The Crown Jewel of Einstein's TheoryThe Black Holes' Magic ShowDeath and Birth — The Tale of Cosmic ExplosionsMighty Bursts from Deep SpaceEpilogue
Readership: Non-professional readers interested in science in general, and physics and astronomy in particular.
Keywords:Astronomy;Black Holes;Gravitational Waves;Cosmic Rays;Popular ScienceReview:0