This wonderful book tells about the latest discoveries and achievements in the study of the Universe. The rapid development of astronomy these days contributes to space research. So truly fabulous objects of the Universe were discovered, endowed with the most unusual properties. These are super-dwarf neutron stars, and amazing quasars, and fantastic black holes, near which the second cosmic speed reaches the speed of light! The book also deals scientifically with the possibility of intelligent life in the universe.