Wow! eBook
The Large Scale Structure of Space-Time
Author(s): S. W. Hawking (Author), G. F. R. Ellis (Author)
- Publisher: Cambridge University Press
- Publication Date: 10 May 1973
- Edition: 1st
- Language: English
- Print length: 400 pages
- ISBN-10: 0521200164
- ISBN-13: 9780521200165
Book Description
Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity leads to two remarkable predictions: first, that the ultimate destiny of many massive stars is to undergo gravitational collapse and to disappear from view, leaving behind a ‘black hole’ in space; and secondly, that there will exist singularities in space-time itself. These singularities are places where space-time begins or ends, and the presently known laws of physics break down. They will occur inside black holes, and in the past are what might be construed as the beginning of the universe. To show how these predictions arise, the authors discuss the General Theory of Relativity in the large. Starting with a precise formulation of the theory and an account of the necessary background of differential geometry, the significance of space-time curvature is discussed and the global properties of a number of exact solutions of Einstein’s field equations are examined. The theory of the causal structure of a general space-time is developed, and is used to study black holes and to prove a number of theorems establishing the inevitability of singualarities under certain conditions. A discussion of the Cauchy problem for General Relativity is also included in this 1973 book.
Editorial Reviews
Review
‘The book is a masterpiece, written by sure hands.’ Science
‘Certain to rank as an outstanding classic of the current advance of relativity theory.’ Contemporary Physics
‘La parution de ce livre est un événement important …’ La Recherche
Book Description
This 1973 book discusses Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity and its predictions concerning black holes and singularities in space-time itself.
