Gravity's Engines

How Bubble-Blowing Black Holes Rule Galaxies, Stars, and Life in the Cosmos

By: Caleb Scharf

Narrated by: Caleb Scharf

One of The Barnes and Noble Review Editors' Picks: Best Nonfiction of 2012

Selected by The Christian Science Monitor as one of "21 smart nonfiction titles we think you'll enjoy this summer"

Selected by The New Scientist as one of 10 books to look out for in 2012

We've long understood black holes to be the points at which the universe as we know it comes to an end. Often billions of times more massive than the Sun, they lurk in the inner sanctum of almost every galaxy of stars in the universe. They're mysterious chasms so destructive and unforgiving that not even light can escape their deadly wrath.

Recent research, however, has led to a cascade of new discoveries that have revealed an entirely different side to black holes. As the astrophysicist Caleb Scharf reveals in Gravity's Engines, these chasms in space-time don't just vacuum up everything that comes near them; they also spit out huge beams and clouds of matter. Black holes blow bubbles.

With clarity and keen intellect, Scharf masterfully explains how these bubbles profoundly rearrange the cosmos around them. Engaging with our deepest questions about the universe, he takes us on an intimate journey through the endlessly colorful place we call our galaxy and reminds us that the Milky Way sits in a special place in the cosmic zoo—a "sweet spot" of properties. Is it coincidental that we find ourselves here at this place and time? Could there be a deeper connection between the nature of black holes and their role in the universe and the phenomenon of life? We are, after all, made of the stuff of stars.

Fantastic!

This book is written very clearly for lay enthusiasts, yet it goes deeply enough that you feel you understand something about the field. It doesn't just skim the surface with general statements. It's a real bonus that much of the exciting work was done by the author, but he isn't at all self-centered. This is one of my favorites.

Makes physics sound simple

Only a few experts can explain complicated things to other who are not experts. Caleb Scharf is able to do that while keeping the material interesting. Highly recommended .

Complexity Clarified

Caleb Scharf has an amazing skill at taking what could be a very dry and confusing subject and making it understandable, engaging and entertaining. I have listened to this book three times and I get something new from it with every review. I particularly like that he stays on subject and does not stray into religious pontification, as some others do. If you have even a passing interest in Black Holes, gravity or the cosmos in general, I highly recommend this book.

Excellent overview of black hole history & physics

One of the better popular physics books of late. It provides a hidtory-driven overview of theory & observation, with extended discussion of cosmology. Advanced but not too technical. Good use of visual descriptions & descriptive metaphors helps with audiobook.

Concise and working definitions of cosmic forces.

This book was excellent! I found the best working definition of the "Event Horizon" and the functions of the theoretical workings of the Black Hole. Scharf proposes several outstanding and beautiful hypotheses explaining the relationships between planets in various systems and the potential black holes that power them.