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:

• Introduction

• First Episode: The Universe and All That Is In It:

  • The History of the Universe
  • The Genesis of Galaxies and the Birth of Giant Black Holes
  • Stellar Evolution — From Dust Cloud to Black Hole

• Second Episode: Physics and Astronomy in the 21st Century:

  • Matter, Force, and Symmetry in Nature
  • Principles of Modern Astronomy
  • Electromagnetic Radiation: Kinds and Classes
  • The Elusive Neutrino
  • Gravitational Waves: Spacetime Vibrations
  • Cosmic Rays — A Shower of Energetic Particles from the Universe

• Third Episode: A Menagerie of Extreme Phenomena:

  • White Dwarfs and the Quantum Theory
  • Neurton Stars — The Largest Atomic Nuclei in the Universe
  • Quark Stars and Strange Matter
  • Lighthouses in the Universe
  • Magnetars — The Universe's Largest Magnets
  • Black Holes — The Crown Jewel of Einstein's Theory
  • The Black Holes' Magic Show
  • Death and Birth — The Tale of Cosmic Explosions
  • Mighty Bursts from Deep Space

• Epilogue

Readership: Non-professional readers interested in science in general, and physics and astronomy in particular.
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