Black Holes - Powerhouse of the Universe

Explore the fascinating world of black holes in this comprehensive lecture by John Hawley, Professor and Chair of Astronomy at the University of Virginia. Delve into the history of gravitational theory, from Isaac Newton to Albert Einstein, and understand the concept of escape velocity. Discover how black holes form, their various types, and their presence in the Milky Way. Learn about cutting-edge detection methods, including radio and X-ray observations, binary systems, and adaptive optics used in telescopes like Keck. Gain insights into the accretion process, magnetic fields, and their role in making black holes the powerhouses of the universe.