Stephen Hawking, one of the greatest scientific minds of our time, passed away on March 14th, 2018 at the age of 76. He may have been physically confined to a wheelchair due to motor neuron disease, but his mind knew no bounds. In his remarkable life, Hawking made significant contributions to the fields of cosmology, general relativity, and quantum mechanics. He became an icon for his groundbreaking work on black holes, the origin of the universe, and his popular science books that brought complex scientific concepts to the masses.
Born in 1942 in Oxford, England, Hawking showed a keen interest in science from a young age. He studied physics at Oxford University before pursuing his Ph.D. at Cambridge University. At the age of 21, Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a motor neuron disease that slowly paralyzed him and ultimately confined him to a wheelchair. Despite this debilitating disease, he continued his research and made groundbreaking discoveries in theoretical physics.
Hawking’s most famous contribution is his theory of Hawking radiation, which proposed that black holes emit radiation and eventually evaporate. This work challenged the long-held belief that nothing could escape the gravitational pull of a black hole. It opened up new avenues of research and sparked debates among physicists, eventually leading to further advancements in our understanding of the universe.
His book “A Brief History of Time”, published in 1988, became an international bestseller, and made him a household name. The book explored complex scientific concepts such as the Big Bang theory, the expanding universe, and the concept of time in an accessible and engaging way. It sold over 10 million copies and was translated into more than 40 languages, cementing Hawking’s status as a legendary figure in science and popular culture.
Throughout his life, Hawking received numerous awards and honors, including becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society at the age of 32, one of the youngest members ever. He was also appointed as the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University, a position previously held by Sir Isaac Newton. Hawking was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, by former President Barack Obama in 2009.
While his scientific achievements are undoubtedly impressive, Hawking’s legacy extends beyond his research and publications. He was a staunch advocate for science and education, using his iconic status to raise awareness about issues such as climate change, the importance of space exploration, and the need for scientific funding. He also used his platform to raise awareness about disabilities and was a source of inspiration for people with disabilities all over the world.
Hawking’s life and work continue to have a lasting impact on the scientific community and the world. His contributions to our understanding of the universe and his efforts to make science accessible to all have left a profound legacy. He will be remembered not only for his brilliance, but also for his determination, perseverance, and courage in the face of adversity.
In the words of Hawking himself, “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist.” His extraordinary life and legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scientists and thinkers, and his presence will be greatly missed by the world.