"Originally published as Licht Im Dunkeln in Germany in 2020 by Klett-Cotta."

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Humankind, the Earth, and the moon -- The solar system and our changing model of the universe -- Einstein's happiest thought -- The Milky Way and its stars -- Dead stars and black holes -- Galaxies, quasars, and the big bang -- The galactic center -- The idea behind the image -- Building a global telescope -- Striking out on expedition -- The first image -- Beyond the powers of our imagination -- Beyond Einstein? -- Omniscience and limitations.

"A fascinating and thought-provoking investigation into the nature of black holes-a blend of the spiritual, the philosophical, and the scientific-from the premier German astrophysicist who made history in 2019, capturing the first one on film"--