Gravity's Engines

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

By: Caleb Scharf

Narrated by: Caleb Scharf

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.

©2012 Caleb Scharf (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

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.

Wow, Black Holes are more amazing than I ever knew

Very well written and read, this book expanded my knowledge and understanding of Black Holes and their fundamental role in the Universe.

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.

excellent value

lucid, well-paced, and interesting. The author has made a particularly good job of what I suspect are among their tougher tasks - working out what to leave out, and what level to pitch this to. The coverage is very good but without sacrificing the sense in which it all flows along to the conclusion. It's got some depth and I believe walks a solid line along which the average non-specialist reader can both enjoy and follow. I think science for general consumption is a tough gig; Scharf's done a creditable job with this

wonderful book

Author shares his enthusiasm for this subject in a very contagious way. Written at a level for the science enthusiast. Reading this book will give anyine much more insight into such a fascinating su ject.

Black holes a quite heavy

A book about black holes by a scientist working with black holes, narrated by the said scientist. I was expecting interesting and inspired book. Instead .. everything felt lukewarm.

Narration sounded bit like the narrator was somewhat fed of the subject. Also, I don't know if the problem was in the recording or somewhere else, but I had hard times keeping focused on the book.

Subject itself was interesting, and I think I learned something new. But it all felt a bit drag. Might work better as paper book, but if you find the subject interesting then this may be worth of the try.

Mr Scharf conveys excitement about scientific pioneers WHEN they are MALEs

I am enjoying this author’s books but have been very put off by his glaring omissions or downplaying of discoveries by women astronomers. This is a field where women historically have been better represented than most other fields of science, especially compared to physics more generally. Mr Scharf: why have you not even mentioned Leavitt regarding the discovery of Cepheid variable stars, while waxing eloquent on Shapley who was criticized even back in his own time for claiming all credit and failing to credit her? Why such short shrift for Bell, who you mention but then move on to praise more guys. why does Margulis not get even a mention in your other book The Copernicus Complex when you are specifically covering the discovery of endosymbiosis? Bah - this is annoying? Are you only able to be inspired by fellow scientists who share the same little piece of flesh?