Books in The Lucent Library of Science and Technology series

The remains of collapsed stars, black holes possess enormous gravities that pull in and annihilate any matter that strays too close. The latest evidence and theories for these bizarre objects are presented in this intriguing book, including how black holes were first predicted, how they form, their physical properties, and how scientists detect them. Also covered are the giant black holes now known to lurk at the centers of most galaxies and the possibility of using these objects as cosmic gateways.

Ancient Greek and Egyptian scientists dreamed of viewing Earth's distant cousins scattered throughout the solar system but it was not until the early seventeenth century that telescopes made such dreams a reality. Simple telescopes provided the first extension of eyesight that shifted authority in the observation of the universe from men to instruments. Within a short time, telescopes defined the universe and ignited an interest in knowing the universe's origins and possibly even its eventual demise. Enormous improvements in telescopes in the twentieth century captured and focused the light from bodies billions of light years away. Newer ones even captured X-rays and Gamma rays that better defined the known universe. As the end of the century drew near, the Hubble telescope was launched into orbit to beam back the most dazzling photographs of the most distant bodies ever detected. Because of telescope improvements, astronomers have added a new quest in understanding the universe, the search for life beyond Earth.

Scientists have long suspected the the human race is not alone in the universe. Although no direct evidence for ET life has yet been found, a great deal of circumstantial evidence suggests that it will be found in the near future. Since 1995, scientists have detected more than 120 planets orbiting other stars. And oceans of liquid water have been located beneath the surfaces of several moons in our solar system. This fascinating volume explores the scientific probabilities of ET life and current scientific efforts to find it.