The History of Black Holes - From Theory to Discovery

Explore the profound mysteries of black holes in this 56-minute lecture delivered by award-winning writer and former astronomer Marcus Chown at The Royal Institution. Delve into fundamental questions about space, time, and the Universe's origins through the lens of science's greatest enigma. Learn how black holes have become central to understanding not only the cosmos but potentially the very reason for human existence. Discover the historical journey of black hole research and the remarkable scientists who advanced our understanding of these cosmic phenomena. Gain fresh perspectives on the relationship between black holes and fundamental physics, guided by Chown's expertise from his time at the California Institute of Technology and his distinguished career as a science communicator. Examine how these mysterious cosmic objects might hold the key to understanding why we exist and their crucial role in shaping our universe.