Stephen Hawking

Theoretical physicist renowned for groundbreaking work on black holes and the Big Bang theory, revolutionizing astrophysics despite battling a debilitating motor neuron disease.

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Profession :

Physicist

Birthday :

January 8, 1942

Star Sign :

Capricorn

Death Date:

March 14, 2018

Age :

76

Birthplace :

Oxford, England

Stephen Hawking, one of the most influential physicists of our time, passed away on March 14, 2018, at the age of 76. His remarkable life and groundbreaking contributions to theoretical physics left an indelible mark on the scientific community and beyond.

Born in Oxford, England, Hawking displayed an exceptional aptitude for mathematics and physics from an early age. Despite being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 21, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that gradually paralyzed his body, Hawking defied the odds and went on to achieve extraordinary success in his field.

Hawking’s research primarily focused on theoretical cosmology and quantum gravity. He made significant contributions to our understanding of black holes, including proposing the concept of Hawking radiation, which suggests that black holes emit particles and energy. His work also explored the relationship between general relativity and quantum mechanics, attempting to develop a theory of quantum gravity.

Throughout his illustrious career, Hawking held prestigious positions in academia, including the Lucasian Professorship of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, a position previously held by renowned scientists like Isaac Newton and Paul Dirac. He also served as the Director of Research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge.

Hawking’s groundbreaking work earned him numerous accolades and awards, including the Wolf Prize in Physics, the Albert Einstein Medal, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Hawking was known for his remarkable resilience and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. Despite his physical limitations, he lived a full and active life, traveling extensively, giving lectures, and participating in conferences around the world. He also authored several popular science books, including “A Brief History of Time,” which became a global bestseller and introduced complex scientific concepts to a wider audience.

Hawking’s life and work have been celebrated and documented in numerous documentaries, films, and books. The 2014 biopic “The Theory of Everything,” starring Eddie Redmayne, depicted Hawking’s early life, his struggles with ALS, and his scientific achievements.

Stephen Hawking’s legacy as a brilliant scientist and an inspiration to millions of people around the world will continue to endure for generations to come. His contributions to theoretical physics and his unwavering determination in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the boundless potential of the human mind.