Black Holes & Galaxy Formation

Galaxies are the basic unit of cosmology. The study of galaxy formation is concerned with the processes that formed a heterogeneous universe from a homogeneous beginning. The physics of galaxy formation is complicated because it deals with the dynamics of stars, thermodynamics of gas and energy production of stars. A black hole is a massive object whose gravitational field is so intense that it prevents any form of matter or radiation to escape. It is hypothesised that the most massive galaxies in the universe -- elliptical galaxies -- grow simultaneously with the supermassive black holes at their centres, giving us much stronger evidence that black holes control galaxy formation. This book reviews new evidence in the field. See more