Gravitational Physics: Exploring the Structure of Space and Time

This book examines topics such as gravitational waves and their detection, classical and quantum theory of strong gravitational fields, precision measurements, and astronomical observations relevant to the predictions of Einstein's theory of general relativity.

Gravitational Physics assesses the achievements of the field over the past decade in both theory and experiment, identifies the most promising opportunities for research in the next decade, and describes the resources necessary to realize those opportunities. A major theme running through the opportunities is the exploration of strong gravitational fields, such as those associated with black holes.

Contents
Executive Summary
1 INTRODUCTION, OVERVIEW, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
I. Gravitation: A Two-Frontier Science
II. Achievements of the Past Decade
III. Opportunities for the Next Decade
IV. Goals and Recommendations for Gravitational Physics
2 IDEAS AND PHENOMENA OF GENERAL RELATIVITY
I. Key Ideas in General Relativity
II. Key Phenomena in Gravitational Physics
3 ACHIEVEMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN GRAVITATIONAL PHYSICS
I. Gravitational Waves
II. Black Holes
III. Origin, Evolution, and Fate of the Universe
IV. General Relativity and Beyond: Experimental Exploration
V. Unifying Gravity and Quantum Theory
APPENDIXES
A: Activities of the Committee on Gravitational Physics
B: Glossary