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Black Holes, Tides, and Curved Spacetime: Understanding Gravity
It all started with Newton’s apple. Or did it? Gravity controls everything from the falling of an apple to the rising of ocean’s tides to the motions of the heavens above. If you’ve ever wondered how this most puzzling force works across our entire universe, you will be delighted by this 24-part course that is accessible to any curious person, regardless of your science education. No other product on the market presents the subject of gravity in as much detail as this course, which will follow the past 400 years of research and experimentation in the field.
Your guide is Professor Schumacher, an award-winning educator, prominent theoretical physicist, and protégé of John Archibald Wheeler, the distinguished gravity theorist who first coined the term “black hole”.
Explore the intriguing features of gravity, why a hammer does not fall faster than a feather (neglecting air resistance, of course!); how astronauts float in space when they are still within reach of Earth’s gravitational pull; and how gravity shapes the four-dimensional fabric of the universe.
Become immersed in the fascinating study of gravity, experiencing the scientific breakthroughs alongside the great minds of Galileo, Newton, Cavendish, Einstein, Hubble, Hawking, and more.
Examine a recent that the expansion of our universe is accelerating due to an as-yet-unexplained cosmic antigravity known as dark energy.
Delve into the Holy Grail of contemporary the search for a theory that encompasses both gravity, which extends its reach across the cosmos, and quantum mechanics, which governs events at the smallest possible scale.
In Black Holes, Tides, and Curved Spacetime, you will travel to the very edges of modern physics to explore several revolutionary theories and discover that physics is just as exciting today as it was when Newton sat by that fateful apple tree.
PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Your guide is Professor Schumacher, an award-winning educator, prominent theoretical physicist, and protégé of John Archibald Wheeler, the distinguished gravity theorist who first coined the term “black hole”.
Explore the intriguing features of gravity, why a hammer does not fall faster than a feather (neglecting air resistance, of course!); how astronauts float in space when they are still within reach of Earth’s gravitational pull; and how gravity shapes the four-dimensional fabric of the universe.
Become immersed in the fascinating study of gravity, experiencing the scientific breakthroughs alongside the great minds of Galileo, Newton, Cavendish, Einstein, Hubble, Hawking, and more.
Examine a recent that the expansion of our universe is accelerating due to an as-yet-unexplained cosmic antigravity known as dark energy.
Delve into the Holy Grail of contemporary the search for a theory that encompasses both gravity, which extends its reach across the cosmos, and quantum mechanics, which governs events at the smallest possible scale.
In Black Holes, Tides, and Curved Spacetime, you will travel to the very edges of modern physics to explore several revolutionary theories and discover that physics is just as exciting today as it was when Newton sat by that fateful apple tree.
PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 11, 2020
The most important thing going for the course is its singular focus on gravity. Professor Schumacher arduously avoids Quantum Physics, including the contradictions with relativity, which allows him to focus so much more on the wholly independent branch of Physics that is as important as any but rarely discussed in isolation.
The problem is the course's undecided positioning and uneven pace. The professor spends more time on far simpler concepts of early gravity-linked discoveries of the seventeenth and the eighteenth centuries than on the relativity and afterward. The first half of the book appears aimed at the students utterly unfamiliar with the most basic concepts of the Newtonian or even the Copernican models. In contrast, the back half's pace would often befuddle readers who have done multiple courses on relativity.
The same problem resurfaces in the "language" used. There are multiple instances where the professor needlessly resorts to equations to make his points, which is unsuitable for an audio course. In almost all such cases, the points could have been made without the equations and through the descriptions.
The best sections are the chapters on the relativity. The pace before is too slow and the ones after is too fast. The relativity sections are where the professor excels with some novel explanations and insightful analogies.
The problem is the course's undecided positioning and uneven pace. The professor spends more time on far simpler concepts of early gravity-linked discoveries of the seventeenth and the eighteenth centuries than on the relativity and afterward. The first half of the book appears aimed at the students utterly unfamiliar with the most basic concepts of the Newtonian or even the Copernican models. In contrast, the back half's pace would often befuddle readers who have done multiple courses on relativity.
The same problem resurfaces in the "language" used. There are multiple instances where the professor needlessly resorts to equations to make his points, which is unsuitable for an audio course. In almost all such cases, the points could have been made without the equations and through the descriptions.
The best sections are the chapters on the relativity. The pace before is too slow and the ones after is too fast. The relativity sections are where the professor excels with some novel explanations and insightful analogies.
June 15, 2020
I just re-listened to this lecture series. I bumped it up from 4 to 5 stars. I must have been reading too many books about black holes at the time. This is really an exceptional series. Schumacher presented 24 lectures that basically flesh out Wheeler's assertion that, "Spacetime tells matter how to move and matter tells spacetime how to curve."
August 12, 2019
Often in this lengthy lecture series, I found it difficult to process what Schumacher was saying. The course guidebook helped more than the lectures themselves, though I will probably listen to them again down the road.
A few things that were highlights or questions for me:
Schumacher states that there’s no place in the universe that is immune from gravity. Gravity is the “King of Cosmology.” As the universe expands toward heat death, will there be gravitational effects among the galaxies?
He references gravity as one of the well-known four forces, but elsewhere he uses the “force” terminology differently. For example, he says that there is a “quantum force” and that “friction” and “pressure” are forces “in the usual sense” along with “electric and magnetic forces.” He writes that “interatomic forces” and he also refers to “external forces such as gravity.” Regarding the word “such,” what other external forces are being referenced? Is Schumacher loose with his terminology?
Spheres are cosmic forms. They via gravity pull energy-mass toward the center. With black holes and the pre-big bang moment (where time is zero?), gravity pulls toward a dot. Does this really happen or is this a mathematical construct?
Per Einstein, a body moves under the influence of gravity. Here, movement comes from an external source. In contrast, per Galileo, an inertial body moves in a straight line unless acted upon by an outside force such as gravity. This suggests that a mass-body’s is free movement and it is self-propelled. What is it that does the self-propelling?
Under the principle of equivalence (Newton), resistance to force (inertia) and the gravitational force are exactly the same. Yet, when gravity is said to be an attractive force, and two bodies draw together, inertia and resistance to gravity’s attractive force seems not to be mentioned. Also, why is gravity an attractive force? What is it about energy and mass that pulls both together? Is this a fair question?
The energy of motion (kinetic energy) is equal to the energy that is stored (potential energy). An apple high in the tree is potential energy; the apple moving to the ground expresses kinetic energy. When the apple hits the ground, energy disperses as heat (is this because objects have internal energy/heat).
Speed, as well as distance (inverse law) and relative mass, affect gravitational force. Relative mass and distance get mentioned in gravitational attraction, but speed (escape velocity) does not. Interestingly, speed takes additional energy (and mass). Is it this that counters the gravitational force from a larger, nearby mass?
A star has hydrostatic equilibrium. “Interatomic forces” push outward via pressure (radiated energy), and counter the gravitational forces pulling to the center. “Hydro” refers to gas that acts as a fluid. Is this plasma?
The Big Bang, via the push outward, creates space and time. Point A moves spherically outward in space and, therefore, time (to travel between “points” in space). Before such a creation of the “fabric” of space and time, what was there? What does space-time expand into?
Atoms and electrons have a “tiny” gravitational field. Is this related to the theory of quantum gravity?
A few things that were highlights or questions for me:
Schumacher states that there’s no place in the universe that is immune from gravity. Gravity is the “King of Cosmology.” As the universe expands toward heat death, will there be gravitational effects among the galaxies?
He references gravity as one of the well-known four forces, but elsewhere he uses the “force” terminology differently. For example, he says that there is a “quantum force” and that “friction” and “pressure” are forces “in the usual sense” along with “electric and magnetic forces.” He writes that “interatomic forces” and he also refers to “external forces such as gravity.” Regarding the word “such,” what other external forces are being referenced? Is Schumacher loose with his terminology?
Spheres are cosmic forms. They via gravity pull energy-mass toward the center. With black holes and the pre-big bang moment (where time is zero?), gravity pulls toward a dot. Does this really happen or is this a mathematical construct?
Per Einstein, a body moves under the influence of gravity. Here, movement comes from an external source. In contrast, per Galileo, an inertial body moves in a straight line unless acted upon by an outside force such as gravity. This suggests that a mass-body’s is free movement and it is self-propelled. What is it that does the self-propelling?
Under the principle of equivalence (Newton), resistance to force (inertia) and the gravitational force are exactly the same. Yet, when gravity is said to be an attractive force, and two bodies draw together, inertia and resistance to gravity’s attractive force seems not to be mentioned. Also, why is gravity an attractive force? What is it about energy and mass that pulls both together? Is this a fair question?
The energy of motion (kinetic energy) is equal to the energy that is stored (potential energy). An apple high in the tree is potential energy; the apple moving to the ground expresses kinetic energy. When the apple hits the ground, energy disperses as heat (is this because objects have internal energy/heat).
Speed, as well as distance (inverse law) and relative mass, affect gravitational force. Relative mass and distance get mentioned in gravitational attraction, but speed (escape velocity) does not. Interestingly, speed takes additional energy (and mass). Is it this that counters the gravitational force from a larger, nearby mass?
A star has hydrostatic equilibrium. “Interatomic forces” push outward via pressure (radiated energy), and counter the gravitational forces pulling to the center. “Hydro” refers to gas that acts as a fluid. Is this plasma?
The Big Bang, via the push outward, creates space and time. Point A moves spherically outward in space and, therefore, time (to travel between “points” in space). Before such a creation of the “fabric” of space and time, what was there? What does space-time expand into?
Atoms and electrons have a “tiny” gravitational field. Is this related to the theory of quantum gravity?
February 3, 2021
Black Holes, Tides, and Curved Spacetime: Understanding Gravity by Benjamin Schumacher is an excellent survey course. Listening to professor Schumacher was a bit like a tour down my childhood marathons of the Science Channel. I had the opportunity to purchase a few titles on the subject of astrophysics, so I wanted to start here. The information is a little outdated, but nothing too egregious. Some information was new to me, but the entire course is eminently engaging from the perspective of a non-technical background. A drawback of the audio course is that it was clearly designed for a visual medium, as Schumacher would often refer to materials that I could only do my best to imagine in my own mind without a point of reference. Even so, this course is rather good, and intrigued the little astrophysicist in me that might have been, under considerably different circumstances.
86/100
86/100
April 26, 2022
Some familiarity with physics and/or astronomy is helpful, but not necessary for these lectures. I would recommend actually paying full attention so that you can follow along. You won't get much out of it if you listen while driving or doing something that takes real brainpower. If your hands must do something, do something mindless so that you pay more attention to the lecture. It was satisfying to understand the advanced physics concepts when I made a point to follow along, and I'm not any sort of physicist or astronomer.
A great course for those who are interested in learning about astronomy and physics. Special degree not required, but full attention is.
I listened to the audio version. The only downside is that it appears that there are a few visual aids that would have been helpful to see, but this did not interfere too much with understanding the concepts.
A great course for those who are interested in learning about astronomy and physics. Special degree not required, but full attention is.
I listened to the audio version. The only downside is that it appears that there are a few visual aids that would have been helpful to see, but this did not interfere too much with understanding the concepts.
October 7, 2021
I enjoyed this series of lectures a lot...albeit mainly a review of my undergrad Physics & Astrophysics degree from 1/2 a life ago but so what...a good refresher on Classical Mechanics, Special & General Relativity, and an introduction to byproducts of intensive gravitational fields as seen near Black Holes...and a titillating (!) look at the failure of Einstein at distances and times on the order of Planck. That's a whole other story which wasn't covered in my undergrad days, which I'm trying to understand qualitatively also via various current books on the topic.
I recommend this survey for anyone interested in the physical science of Gravity without a degree in Physics itself...or if you just want to get qualitatively current on Gravity up to about the middle of the last century.
I recommend this survey for anyone interested in the physical science of Gravity without a degree in Physics itself...or if you just want to get qualitatively current on Gravity up to about the middle of the last century.
August 17, 2023
4 stars may be a bit high, but I enjoyed the book. I say it’s a bit high because in many ways it doesn’t read like a book. Instead it is a collection of lectures on the subject of black holes, tides, and curved space time. It’s very informative and fun but it isn’t exactly great writing! That feels intentional, but that being the case it means that you have to be interested in the subject in order to complete the book. I know of no one that I could suggest this book to. I am interested in the subject but I know of no one else that is openly interested in the subject. How great could a book be if it isn’t shareable outside of you regurgitating the information to another person in the most nerd like vigor. Still. The need in me loved the book.
June 17, 2019
The "book" *really it's a lecture* starts out pretty slow with a really basic review of gravity, Newton, and a lot of history. It's presented well and is interesting, but is likely something most people already know. The second half is where it really starts digging in and Schumacher does a great job clearly articulating the principles.
The one issue I did have with the book is that there are a few times where he's clearly presenting something visually that is impossible to come across in an audio format.
The one issue I did have with the book is that there are a few times where he's clearly presenting something visually that is impossible to come across in an audio format.
October 9, 2021
Interesting lecture series.
Kept referring to diagrams and documents that the audience couldn't actually see.
Lots of math and equations.
I found Wolfson's Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists to be much more approachable and enjoyable.
Kept referring to diagrams and documents that the audience couldn't actually see.
Lots of math and equations.
I found Wolfson's Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists to be much more approachable and enjoyable.
September 28, 2023
This was interesting enough for me, the total beginner who was more interested in science history than the actual science. However, as it got into the modern theories of how gravity works, it became much more esoteric and incomprehensible. Perhaps watching it now, being more mature and with more knowledge, I would understand it. Being a kid with no attention span did not help me with this lecture.
January 30, 2019
Excellent Course. Highly informative. Enough math to make things clear without making them dizzyingly complex. Very strong presenter who does a great job with the subject and with the history of discoveries that got us to where we are today. The combination of science and historical anecdotes really adds value to the presentation.
October 9, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this series, perfectly summed up the past and present of physics. Schumacher clearly knows how to keep the listener glued to the topic. The only downside of the audio version is that you are unable to see when he’s giving visual explanations. Although, the pdf helps a bit but it’s not the same as a video version.
June 14, 2024
I will fully admit that most of the math presented in this lecture series is WAY over my head, but as an avid Sci-Fi fan, it was very interesting to listen to and have a better understanding of how gravity works. Will I remember any of it in the future? Probably not, but it was still worth the listen to me.
May 17, 2020
Not a bad introduction. Well organised course. A good attempt to make things understandable without saying too many falsehoods. The best part was the coverage of the early scientists which helped set a narrative to the whole book.
June 6, 2021
my brain hurts. Actually very informative with interesting concepts such as gravity being only time dilation or entropy. Good review of what is known and how we got there as well as some speculation about the true nature of gravity. enjoyable.
November 25, 2021
The lectures are well done and easy to follow. The lecturer has carefully built the material for one to follow and comprehend. Thank you professor for broadening my understanding of the physical sciences.
April 19, 2022
A 12hr long audio book, this book was amazing. I always like reading about physics and especially about Gravity. This starts out as a history of Gravity and works its way up the time line to modern and theory's.
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May 19, 2022I skipped most of this because, as it turned out, it wasn't actually about what I was hoping it was (which was quantum gravity.) I suppose I should have gathered that from the title. I eventually gave up.
November 21, 2021
Another 'great' Great course.
January 30, 2023
Good overview on the history of the science of gravity and it's myriad effects on things. In some parts the visuals were missing as the professor refers to something he is showing into a camera.
September 22, 2023
Ótimo livro. Ele explica a gravidade, a sua influência no cosmos, o que ainda não sabemos a seu respeito (nível quântico) e as especulações que estão estudando para entender estes missing parts.
January 11, 2024
Although Black Holes are the first part of the title of this book, they are not the focus of it. Would have been a five star review if there was more about black holes!
January 8, 2025
Both the lectures and course notes are very well structured and delivered. He clarifies subtle points in an accessible yet thorough way.
January 1, 2026
The course aims to bridge the gap between everyday gravity (like a falling apple) and cosmic gravity (like the collision of galaxies). It serves as a comprehensive history and scientific explanation of how our understanding of gravity evolved from Galileo and Newton to Einstein and modern Cosmologists.
It is ideal for anyone who wants a deep, conceptual understanding of the universe without needing a degree in advanced mathematics. It is accessible to beginners and is perfect for science enthusiasts, "armchair physicists," or students looking for a conceptual supplement to a formal physics course.
The course was recorded in 2013 which does make is somewhat outdated. He discusses Gravitational Waves as a theoretical prediction which were realized in the 2015 LIGO detection.
It is ideal for anyone who wants a deep, conceptual understanding of the universe without needing a degree in advanced mathematics. It is accessible to beginners and is perfect for science enthusiasts, "armchair physicists," or students looking for a conceptual supplement to a formal physics course.
The course was recorded in 2013 which does make is somewhat outdated. He discusses Gravitational Waves as a theoretical prediction which were realized in the 2015 LIGO detection.
October 31, 2020
If you're like me and don't get black holes, but desperately want to, because they're mindbendingly great but also greatly mindbending, this is a really good introduction to some of the science and history behind them.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews