Black Holes: Theory and Observation [electronic resource] : Proceedings of the 179th W.E. Heraeus Seminar Held at Bad Honnef, Germany, 18-22 August 1997 / edited by Friedrich W. Hehl, Claus Kiefer, Ralph J.K. Metzler.

Overview -- Observations, Astrophysics -- Classical General Relativity -- Beyond Classical General Relativity -- Thermodynamics -- Quantum Theory -- Panel Discussion.

Einstein's gravitational theory predicts the existence of black holes, objects so dense that light cannot escape their gravitational field. Several types of black hole may exist: mini black holes, stellar black holes, and supermassive black holes with millions of solar masses. Experimental evidence for the existence of stellar and supermassive black holes continues to mount, so what was once considered to be science! fiction, has now become reality. This book gives a broad comprehensive introduction and, at the same time, an overview of all aspects of black hole physics. It should be comprehensible to all students in physics, astrophysics, and mathematics. A well-illustrated introduction, selected exercises, and a number of pictures and diagrams help to make the content more accessible. The text discusses observations of black holes in galactic centres and binary systems, a theory of accretion disks, the general relativistic description of black holes, as well as the thermodynamics of black holes and Hawking radiation.