Reinhard Genzel
Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics; Nobel laureate in Physics
Book Recommendations:
Recommended by Reinhard Genzel
“Several generations of students have benefitted from the first two editions of Professor Bernard Schutz’ beautiful introductory textbook on tensor algebra, manifolds, physics in curved space times, and Einstein’s field equations. Why another edition now? The answer is that, in the last years, precision measurements of stellar orbits around the central massive black hole in the Galactic Center, the detection of gravitational waves from in-spiraling binary black holes and neutron stars with LIGO, and the detection of the central ‘radio wave shadow’ of the supermassive black hole in the galaxy M87 have suddenly opened the magical world of strongly curved spacetime to precision experimental tests. These experiments and much more to come from ground- and space-based gravitational wave studies have started a renaissance of interest in Einstein’s theory.” (from Amazon)
by Bernard Schutz·You?
by Bernard Schutz·You?
Clarity, readability, and rigor combine in the third edition of this widely used textbook to provide the first step into general relativity for advanced undergraduates with a minimal background in mathematics. Topics within relativity that fascinate astrophysics researchers and students alike are covered with Schutz's characteristic ease and authority, from black holes to relativistic objects, from pulsars to the study of the Universe as a whole. This third edition contains discoveries by astronomers that require general relativity for their explanation; two chapters on gravitational waves, including direct detections of gravitational waves and their observations' impact on cosmological measurements; new information on black holes and neutron stars; and greater insight into the expansion of the Universe. Over 300 exercises, many new to this edition, give students the confidence to work with general relativity and the necessary mathematics, while the informal writing style and worked examples make the subject matter easily accessible.
Recommended by Reinhard Genzel
“What are ‘black holes’ and do they exist in our Universe?” (from Amazon)
by Luciano Rezzolla·You?
by Luciano Rezzolla·You?
The mystery of gravity has captivated us for centuries. But what is gravity and how does it work? This engaging book delves into the bizarre and often counter-intuitive world of gravitational physics. Join distinguished astrophysicist Professor Luciano Rezzolla on this virtual journey into Einstein's world of gravity, with each milestone presenting ever more fascinating aspects of gravitation. Through gentle exposure to concepts such as spacetime curvature and general relativity, you will discover some of the most curious consequences of gravitational physics, such as black holes, neutron stars and gravitational waves. The author presents and explains one of the most impressive scientific achievements of recent times: the first image of a supermassive black hole. Written by one of the key scientists involved in producing these results, you'll get a behind-the-scenes view of how the image was captured and discover what happens to matter and light near a black hole.