Ever since 1911, the Solvay Conferences have shaped modern physics. The format is quite different from other conferences as the emphasis is placed on discussion. The 26th edition held in October 2014 in Brussels and chaired by Roger Blandford continued this tradition and addressed some of the most pressing open questions in the fields of astrophysics and cosmology, gathering many of the leading figures working on a wide variety of profound problems.

The proceedings contain the “rapporteur talks” giving a broad overview with unique insights by distinguished renowned scientists. These lectures cover the five sessions: “Neutron Stars”, “Black Holes”, “Cosmic Dawn”, “Dark Matter” and “Cosmic Microwave Background”.

In the Solvay tradition, the proceedings also include the prepared comments to the rapporteur talks. The discussions among the participants — expert, yet lively and sometimes contentious — have been edited to retain to retain their flavor and are reproduced in full. The reader is taken on a breathtaking ride through 42 years of extraordinary discovery since astrophysics was last on the Solvay program and 57 years since cosmology was last discussed.

Contents:Opening SessionBlack HolesCosmic DawnDark MatterMicrowave BackgroundClosing SessionReadership: Students, researchers and academics interested in astrophysics and cosmology.Astrophysics;Cosmology;Solvay ConferenceKey Features:Gives a broad overview of the most pressing open problems in several major fields in astrophysics and cosmologyThe rapporteur talks, given by leaders in the field, provide a beautiful review of the state of the art in each of the subfields discussedThe discussions — transcribed in full — provide a unique view on the thoughts of some of the most outstanding physicists active in this field

David Gross