The Nobel prizes in physics for astrophysics and gravitation and the Nobel prize for black holes: Past, present, and future

Abstract

We analyze the Nobel prizes in physics for astrophysics and gravitation since the establishment of the prize and highlight the 2020 Nobel prize for black holes. In addition, we comment on the names that could have received the prize in astrophysics and gravitation, and draw attention to the individuals who made outstanding contributions to black hole physics and astrophysics and should be mentioned as possible and deserved recipients of the prize. We speculate about the branches of research in astrophysics and gravitation, with an emphasis on the latter, that can be contemplated in the future with a Nobel prize.