Resource Letter BH-2: Black Holes

TL;DR

This resource letter provides a comprehensive overview of black hole physics and astrophysics, covering theoretical foundations, numerical simulations, and observational evidence, aimed at guiding students and researchers through current knowledge and research directions.

Contribution

It compiles a broad range of resources and topics on black holes, emphasizing breadth over depth, and includes both technical and non-technical materials for diverse audiences.

Findings

Overview of black hole classifications and solutions

Discussion of black hole thermodynamics and quantum effects

Summary of observational evidence for black holes

Abstract

This resource letter is designed to guide students, educators, and researchers through (some of) the literature on black holes. Both the physics and astrophysics of black holes are discussed. Breadth has been emphasized over depth, and review articles over primary sources. We include resources ranging from non-technical discussions appropriate for broad audiences to technical reviews of current research. Topics addressed include classification of stationary solutions, perturbations and stability of black holes, numerical simulations, collisions, the production of gravity waves, black hole thermodynamics and Hawking radiation, quantum treatments of black holes, black holes in both higher and lower dimensions, and connections to nuclear and condensed matter physics. On the astronomical end, we also cover the physics of gas accretion onto black holes, relativistic jets, gravitationally red-shifted emission lines, evidence for stellar-mass black holes in binary systems and super-massive black holes at the centers of galaxies, the quest for intermediate mass black holes, the assembly and merging history of super-massive black holes through cosmic time, and their affects on the evolution of galaxies.