Grades 7-12.

"On December 26, 2015, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) detected gravitational waves generated from merging black holes for the first time in human history. But why is this significant? Through an engaging, easily accessible approach, the origins, dynamics, and ultimate fate of black holes are thoroughly unraveled so that students without a scientific background can grasp complex physics theories. This text supports the Next Generation Science Standards' emphasis on scientific collection and analysis of data and evidence-based theories by discussing the methods research universities and space agencies use to explore black holes."-- Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Birth of a giant -- Galactic heart -- Cosmic exploration -- Merging companions -- Event horizon -- Cosmic worm -- Miniature black hole -- Black hole fate.