Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking: A Scientific Titan

Stephen William Hawking (8 January 1942 – 14 March 2018) was an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who was director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge.

Hawking’s Early Life

Stephen Hawking was born in Oxford to Frank and Isobel Eileen Hawking. His mother was a doctor from Glasgow, Scotland, and his father became head of the division of parasitology at the National Institute for Medical Research. The family moved to St Albans, Hertfordshire when Hawking’s father took up this position.

At Byron House School in Highgate, London, Hawking struggled with reading but excelled in mathematics and physics. He later blamed its “progressive methods” for his failure to learn to read while at the school. In St Albans, he attended several private schools including Radlett School and St Albans School for Girls before deciding to study mathematics at university after being advised by his father.

Academic Journey

Hawking began his university education at University College, Oxford, where he received a first-class BA degree in physics. He then began his graduate work at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where he obtained his PhD degree in applied mathematics and theoretical physics. His scientific works included a collaboration with Roger Penrose on gravitational singularity theorems in the framework of general relativity, and the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation.

Popular Science Writings

Hawking achieved commercial success with several works of popular science in which he discussed his theories and cosmology in general. His most famous book, A Brief History of Time, became a bestseller after being published by Bantam Books. The book sold over 9 million copies and earned him significant financial rewards but also brought challenges such as celebrity status and limited time for work.

Contributions to Science

Hawking’s contributions to science were vast, including his research on cosmological inflation and the origin of the universe. He proposed that information in a black hole is irretrievably lost during evaporation, leading to debate and conflict with Leonard Susskind and Gerard ‘t Hooft.

Personal Life

Hawking met his wife, Jane Wilde, in 1962 and they married in 1965. The couple had three children: Robert, Lucy, and Timothy. Hawking’s illness gradually paralyzed him, but he continued to work despite the challenges. He developed a computer program called “Equalizer” to communicate, which allowed him to press a switch to select phrases or letters from a bank of around 2,500-3,000 options.

Legacy and Impact

Hawking’s legacy is immense. He was awarded several medals, including the Copley Medal (2006), Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009), and Russian Special Fundamental Physics Prize (2013). Several buildings were named after him, such as the Stephen W. Hawking Science Museum in El Salvador. His final paper was published posthumously in 2018.

Philosophical Views

Hawking believed that philosophy is unnecessary and that science can answer philosophical problems. He also expressed concern about the future of humanity due to various dangers, including nuclear confrontation or environmental catastrophe likely in the next 1,000 years. Hawking was a Labour Party supporter and recorded tributes for Al Gore and supported nuclear disarmament, universal health care, and climate change action.

Final Years

In his final years, Hawking continued to work on various projects, including the development of research on top-down cosmology with Thomas Hertog. His last book, Brief Answers to the Big Questions, was published in 2018, and two of his research studies were also released.

Hawking died peacefully on March 14, 2018, at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy as a renowned scientist and advocate for disability rights. A tribute was made to Hawking in the closing ceremony of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.

Stephen Hawking’s life is a testament to human resilience and scientific curiosity. His work continues to inspire generations, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe and challenging us to think beyond the limits of our imagination.

Conclusion

Stephen Hawking’s journey from a young physicist with a rare form of motor neurone disease to one of the most influential scientists in history is nothing short of remarkable. His contributions to theoretical physics, cosmology, and popular science have left an indelible mark on our understanding of the universe. Hawking’s legacy continues to inspire us to explore the unknown and push the frontiers of knowledge.