Empire Of The Stars: Friendship, Obsession and Betrayal in the Quest for Black Holes by Arthur I. Miller

Description

“Empire of the Stars: Friendship, Obsession and Betrayal in the Quest for Black Holes” is a non-fiction book written by Arthur I. Miller. The book, published in 2005, delves into the history of scientific discovery and the relationships between key figures in the field of astrophysics, particularly focusing on the quest to understand black holes.

The narrative revolves around the lives and work of two influential scientists, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar and Sir Arthur Eddington. Chandrasekhar, an Indian astrophysicist, made significant contributions to our understanding of stellar evolution and the behavior of matter under extreme conditions, including the concept of black holes. Eddington, a British astronomer, played a crucial role in the development of astrophysics and the confirmation of Einstein’s theory of general relativity.

“Empire of the Stars” explores the complex interplay of friendship, professional rivalry, and scientific discovery, offering insights into the personal and intellectual aspects of these scientists’ lives. The book provides a historical and cultural context for the scientific advancements of the early 20th century and the subsequent developments in astrophysics.

If you have an interest in the history of science, the personalities behind groundbreaking discoveries, and the pursuit of understanding the mysteries of the universe, “Empire of the Stars” offers a compelling exploration of these themes.