Einstein's Monsters

The Life and Times of Black Holes

By: Chris Impey

Narrated by: Rick Adamson

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 one - instant 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 Einstein’s Monsters, distinguished astronomer Chris Impey takes listeners 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 physics - from confirming Einstein’s 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 holes: 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, Einstein’s 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 ones - from the tiniest particles to the nature of space-time itself - black holes might be the key to a deeper understanding of the cosmos.

©2019 Chris Impey (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Interesting

Interesting astrophysics book. The author makes an attempt to make the material accessible with simple metaphors... but still, some parts are dense and would likely require multiple slow readings. This may be one better suited for text instead of audio. It could better explain some of the "simpler" concepts (for example, what exactly is a neutron star?). Still, it is fascinating to learn about concepts such as the upcoming collision between the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies, or the likely effects of a black hole on a human body.

Enjoyable

Very enjoyable. A nice breakdown of a very complicated subject. Almost as good as my favorite blackhole book by Dr. Becky Smethurst : A Brief History of Black Holes.

facinating

This book is on a truly facinating topic by a master blackhole scientist and writer !!

Above my brain grade

Being first book in this field was a little lost but still great book of info and good to put into subconscious.

This is my 3rd listen Won't be my last

I love this book. It has educated me on my favorite things to think about, black holes. The cosmic mystery is shown bare