Features Reviews from an observational perspective the status of research on massive black holes in galaxiesDescribes the rich an complex phenomenology of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and galaxiesReviews the recent discovery of a distinct evolution of luminous AGNS compared with low luminosity AGNsIncludes a theoretical exploration of physical cosmology that addresses key questions on galaxy formation and evolution within the cold dark matter (CDM) paradigmExamines galaxy clusters and groups as seen through x-raysExplores the physics of the very high redshift universe and the role played by the first stars in rionizing the universeSpeculates on the potential role of intermediate mass black holes in the construction of the massive ones in galaxy nuclei
Summary Black holes are among the most mysterious objects that the human mind has been capable of imagining. As pure mathematical constructions, they are tools for exploiting the fundamental laws of physics. As astronomical sources, they are part of our cosmic landscape, warping space-time, coupled to the large-scale properties and life cycle of their host galaxy, and perhaps even linked to galaxy formation. This volume, which grew from a recent doctoral school sponsored by the Italian Society of Relativity and Gravitation, brings together contributions from leading authorities to provide a review of recent developments in the study of the astrophysical black holes that inhabit nearby galaxies and distant quasars. These lectures reveal the deep symbiotic relationship between black holes and their cosmic environment and show that black holes are key sources for exploring not only our local universe, but also our cosmic dawn. Topics range from the observational evidence for supermassive black holes and the joint evolution of black holes and galaxies to the cold dark matter paradigm of hierarchical galaxy formation and from the cosmic history of the diffuse intergalactic medium to the ecology of black holes in star clusters.
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