Scientist Stephen Hawking dead at 76
Scientist Stephen Hawking has died at the age of 76, according to a spokesman for his family.
Hawking was the first to set out a theory of cosmology explained by a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. He is a vigorous supporter of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics.
His book A Brief History of Time appeared on the best-seller list for a record-breaking 237 weeks.
Hawking suffered from a rare early-onset, slow-progressing form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that gradually paralysed him over the decades. The disease forced him to communicate using a single cheek muscle attached to a speech-generating device. When he was originally diagnosed in 1963 he was given two years to live.
The first American to receive the to Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication last June, tweeted:
His passing has left an intellectual vacuum in his wake. But it's not empty. Think of it as a kind of vacuum energy permeating the fabric of spacetime that defies measure. Stephen Hawking, RIP 1942-2018. pic.twitter.com/nAanMySqkt
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) March 14, 2018
Professor Hawking's children, Lucy, Robert and Tim said in a statement: "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 humour inspired people across the world.
"He once said, 'It would not be much of a universe if it wasn't home to the people you love'.
"We will miss him forever."
While Stephen Hawking was a man of serious science, he also had a lighter side as evident in his rendition of Monty Python's Galaxy Song.
Vale Stephen Hawking.
Painting byRama Samkari
"So remember, look at the stars and not at your feet."
Stephen Hawking
Not only a brilliant physicist but a guy with a great sense of humour. Hawking made multiple appearances in The Simpsons. In one scene in the season 10 episode “They Saved Lisa’s Brain,” Homer has a beer with Hawking at Moe’s Tavern. “Your theory of a donut-shaped universe is intriguing, Homer,” Hawking quips. “I may have to steal it.”
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R.I.P.
Stephen Hawking waving a handkerchief with the members of the Oxford University Boat Club, early 1960’s
Feeling very sad upon hearing this.
What an amazing man and what an amazing legacy.
Mr History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes.
RIP Stephen Hawking.