Introduction to black hole astrophysics (Q2393407)

This book deals with the astrophysical aspects of black holes. Chapter 1 introduces the necessary mathematical background for curved space-time and theories of gravitation including \(F(R)\)-gravity. The Cauchy problem of the Einstein field equation, gravitational waves, and gravity with extra dimensions are covered, too. Chapter 2 introduces the geometry of black holes, calculates the motion of test particles around it, and mentions the Birkhoff theorem. Chapter 3 is devoted to the physics of black holes including its quantum effects and its thermodynamics. In Chapters 4--8, the more astrophysically oriented topics of black holes are presented. The appendix presents some topological properties of manifolds. Publisher's description: ``This book is based on the lecture notes of a one-semester course on black hole astrophysics given by one of the authors (i.e., by G. Romero) and is aimed at advanced undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in astrophysics. The material included goes beyond that found in classic textbooks and presents details on astrophysical manifestations of black holes. In particular, jet physics and detailed accounts of objects like microquasars, active galactic nuclei, gamma-ray bursts, and ultra-luminous X-ray sources are covered, as well as advanced topics like black holes in alternative theories of gravity. The authors avoid unnecessary technicalities and to some degree the book is self-contained. The reader will find some basic general relativity tools in Chapter 1. The appendices provide some additional mathematical details that will be useful for further study, and a guide to the bibliography on the subject.''