Astrophysical Wonders - A Conversation with Scott Tremaine

This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and Scott Tremaine, Professor Emeritus of Astrophysics at the Institute for Advanced Study and an internationally renowned expert in both galactic-scale and planetary-scale astronomy. Topics that are part of this extensive conversation include the process of scientific discovery, in particular related to comets, Pluto, planetary rings, shepherding satellites, exoplanets, chaos theory and the formation, stability and uniqueness of our solar system. Further topics include galactic-scale astronomy, galaxy formation, dark matter, quasars, black holes, the large-scale structure of the universe and many outstanding open questions of contemporary astrophysics. This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, On Butterflies and Fish, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter: I. Personal Reflections - Astrophysical origins and research-administration balance II. Exoplanetary Insights - Looking beyond to assess our uniqueness III. Puzzles and Solutions - Solar system formation and shepherding moons IV. Rings, Comets and Pluto - Mysteries, discoveries and evolving definitions V. Investigating Stability - Considering past and future VI. Large-scale Issues - Colliding galaxies and dark matter VII. Black Holes - Different types, different evidence and open questions VIII. Fundamental Questions - The need to stay in contact with experiment IX. Concluding Thoughts - Public policy and capitalizing on the moment About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series: Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.