Hawking

Hawking

Stephen William Hawking (8 January 1942 – 14 March 2018) was a renowned theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author. He was the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge between 1979 and 2009 and is best known for his work on black holes and his popular science books.

Early Life and Education

Hawking was born in Oxford, England, to Frank and Isobel Hawking. He showed an early interest in science and mathematics, which led him to study physics at University College, Oxford. After graduating with a first-class BA degree in physics, he went on to pursue research in cosmology at Trinity Hall, Cambridge.

Academic Career

Hawking's early work focused on the nature of the universe, particularly the Big Bang theory and black holes. His doctoral thesis, "Properties of Expanding Universes," laid the groundwork for his future research.

Black Hole Thermodynamics

One of Hawking's most significant contributions to physics was his theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, now known as Hawking radiation. This discovery was groundbreaking because it combined principles from quantum mechanics, general relativity, and thermodynamics.

Singularity Theorems

In collaboration with Roger Penrose, Hawking developed the singularity theorems, which provided important insights into the nature of black holes and the origins of the universe. These theorems demonstrated that singularities, regions of infinite density, are a common feature of general relativity.

Popular Science and Public Engagement

Hawking was also a prolific author, known for his ability to explain complex scientific concepts to the general public. His book "A Brief History of Time" became an international bestseller and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

Personal Life

In 1963, Hawking was diagnosed with a rare form of motor neurone disease (ALS), which gradually paralyzed him over the decades. Despite his physical limitations, he continued to work and travel, communicating through a speech-generating device.

Legacy

Hawking's work has had a profound impact on the field of theoretical physics and cosmology. His insights into black holes and the nature of the universe have inspired generations of scientists and students.

Also see

• Black hole
• General relativity
• Quantum mechanics
• Cosmology
• Roger Penrose