Black Holes: The Weird Science of the Most Mysterious Objects in the Universe

"In this trim volume, readers are introduced to the history of and current research regarding black holes, along with a variety of telescopes and satellites. Information on scientists of the past (Albert Einstein) and present (Vicky Kalogera) is shared within the text, as well as in more focused 'Profile' sections. Sagittarius A Star and other black holes currently being studied are also discussed; included in the back matter is a section highlighting 'all-star' black holes. Before that, an introduction to black holes and how they are created, along with an explanation of the electromagnetic spectrum, are shared. The lively profiles of current scientists, many of whom developed their interest in the subject as children, enhance the content. In addition, the bright, highly contrasted layout is eye-catching and appealing. Images and diagrams, while sometimes small, help to clarify the text. Students curious about black holes will be well served by the clear and thorough explanations provided."--School Library Journal

"A fresh look at some of the universe's weirdest astronomical phenomena and the people who study them. Observations in 2015 proved that black holes create gravitational waves when they collide--but, as Latta points out, that's hardly the only string in their bows, because they also sing, dance, belch, and blow bubbles! Along with lucidly explaining the significance of said waves in our relativistic universe, the author describes how black holes are formed and how they behave, at least to our current understanding. She does this in such lively language that attentive readers will come away with firm grasps of a host of cosmically slippery notions, from the Chandrasekhar limit and the Schwarzschild radius to Fermi Bubbles and 'spaghettification.' She also gives 'major props' to the scientists who imagined and then actually found black holes, and she profiles five researchers (all white, but three are women) who are currently engaged in probing their secrets. The photos, graphics, and diagrams are small but sharp, clear, and helpful. The black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy, Sagittarius A* (pronounced 'A-star') headlines a closing gallery of 'All-Star Black Holes, ' and annotated lists of recommended reading and viewing provide deeper dives into the topic. An up-to-date excursion past the boundaries of Newtonian physics 'Crazy!' as the author aptly puts it."--Kirkus Reviews

"On the surface, black holes might seem like terrifying, inescapable voids, but in reality, they suggest fascinating things about the nature of the universe and the origin of galaxies. In a lively narrative, Latta begins with a detailed description of what black holes are, before moving on to current research and discoveries, accompanied by profiles of some of the scientists, many of them women, at the vanguard of black hole research, as well as the innovative instruments they've developed for detection. With helpful analogies and diagrams, Latta offers a cogent explanation of complicated physics concepts, but it's her enthusiasm for the subject matter that makes this really shine. From evidence proving gravitational waves to the challenges of capturing an image of a black hole to theories about the role black holes play in maintaining the equilibrium of the universe, this slim yet dense volume showcases some of the thrilling new discoveries scientists are making right now in a variety of disciplines. Aspiring scientists will be captivated and perhaps inspired to pursue careers in the field."--Booklist

In 2015 two powerful telescopes detected something physicists had been seeking for more than one hundred years—gravitational waves from the collision of two black holes. This announcement thrilled the scientific community. Since the eighteenth century, astronomers have predicted the existence of massive, invisible stars whose gravity would not let anything—even light—escape. In the twenty-first century, sophisticated technologies are bringing us closer to seeing black holes in action. Meet the scientists who first thought of black holes hundreds of years ago, and learn about contemporary astrophysicists whose work is radically shaping how we understand black holes, our universe, and how it originated.