Biography of Stephen Hawking:
Early Life:
Stephen William Hawking was born on January 8, 1942, in Oxford, England, to Frank and Isobel Hawking. His father was a medical researcher, and his mother was one of the first female students to have graduated from the University of Oxford. Hawking showed an early interest in science and mathematics.
Stephen Hawking’s Education:
Hawking studied physics at the University of Oxford, where he was known for his keen intellect but was not particularly diligent in his studies. He later pursued his Ph.D. in cosmology at the University of Cambridge under the supervision of physicist Dennis Sciama.
 |
| Biography of Stephen Hawking |
ALS Diagnosis:
In 1963, at the age of 21, Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons. At the time of diagnosis, he was given a life expectancy of only a few years. Despite the challenges posed by the disease, Hawking continued his academic work.
Hawking’s Contributions to Physics:
Stephen Hawking made groundbreaking contributions to the field of theoretical physics. His research focused on the nature of black holes, the origins of the universe, and the interplay between quantum mechanics and gravity. His most famous work, “A Brief History of Time,” aimed to make complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience.
Hawking’s theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, now known as Hawking radiation, was a landmark achievement. This idea challenged existing notions and had profound implications for our understanding of the cosmos.
Publications:
Hawking authored several popular science books, including “A Brief History of Time,” “The Universe in a Nutshell,” and “Black Holes and Baby Universes and Other Essays.” These books brought complex scientific ideas to a wide readership and contributed to his global fame.
Personal Life of Stephen Hawking:
Despite the challenges posed by ALS, Hawking married Jane Wilde in 1965, and they had three children together. The couple’s relationship faced difficulties, and they eventually divorced in 1995. Hawking later married Elaine Mason in 1995, but this marriage also ended in divorce in 2006.
Legacy and Recognition:
Stephen Hawking became one of the most recognizable and influential scientists of his time. He held the position of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, a post once held by Sir Isaac Newton. Hawking’s life story was depicted in the 2014 film “The Theory of Everything,” based on a memoir by his first wife, Jane.
Stephen Hawking passed away on March 14, 2018, at the age of 76, in Cambridge, England. His contributions to theoretical physics, especially his work on black holes and the nature of the universe, continue to shape scientific inquiry and inspire future generations of scientists.