British physicist Stephen W. Hawking, died at the age of 76 on Wednesday, 14 March 2018. Born in Oxford, England, in 1942, Hawking studied physics at University College and then cosmology in Cambridge. Since the beginning, he was interested in the role technology and space play in our demise. Over his lifetime, he even published more than 100 papers in academic journals.
As the news of his death spread, a pall of darkness descended on the science community. Stephen Hawking was one of the most brilliant scientists, and he will always be remembered as a man who ventured into the unexplored territories of physics. Over his lifespan, he has given a lot to the world, and his death has left a vacuum in the field of physics. While doctors had predicted that he wouldn’t live beyond his 23rd birthday as he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 21, he proved them wrong and lived on for more than 55 years after being diagnosed with ALS. The physicist defies all odds to become one of the science’s greatest stars enjoying popularity similar to Albert Einstein.
Back in 1970, he had his first scientific breakthrough when he along with Roger Penrose proved the black holes theory to the universe and helped people to understand the origin of the big bang. This discovery by Stephen Hawking leads to several innovations which also included the proposal that black holes radiate heat.His children, Tim, Robert, and Lucy, issued a statement in which they said, “We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today. He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years. His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humor inspired people across the world.”
(Stephen Hawkings Experiencing Zero-Gravity)
From world leaders, celebrities to astronauts, tributes have poured in for the physicist. People have been praising the physicist for his brilliance and his contribution to the world of science. Theresa May, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, praised Stephen Hawking’s contribution and tweeted, “Professor Stephen Hawking was a brilliant and extraordinary mind – one of the great scientists of his generation. His courage, humor, and determination to get the most from life was an inspiration. His legacy will not be forgotten.”
(A Clip From “The Theory of Everything”)
Not only was he a great physicist but Hawking also made a fun cameo in The Simpsons, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Futurama, The Big Bang Theory and more. Recently, a biopic was made, named The Theory of Everything which revolved around his life and was a great movie.
Once in 2009, he also did something which a majority of us had always dreamed to become a part of. British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking liked two things, simple experiments, and champagne. Therefore to get an answer to one of the humanity’s age-old question, he threw a party for the time travelers. However, as no one showed up at the party, he concluded that time travel is not real.
We Will Miss Him Forever. Stephen Hawking, RIP 1942-2018.
