Stephen Hawking was a British theoretical physicist and cosmologist whose work on black holes and relativity reshaped modern physics. Despite being diagnosed with ALS at age 21, he made groundbreaking contributions, including Hawking radiation, and became a global science icon through his book A Brief History of Time.
Stephen William Hawking was born in Oxford, England, to Frank and Isobel Hawking. His father was a medical researcher, and his mother was a secretary. #physics #cosmology #biography
Hawking enrolled at University College, Oxford, at age 17, intending to study mathematics but switching to physics. He graduated with a first-class degree in natural sciences in 1962. #education #physics
Hawking began his PhD at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, under the supervision of Dennis Sciama. His research focused on cosmology and general relativity. #PhD #cosmology
At age 21, Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a motor neuron disease. Doctors gave him two years to live, but he defied the prognosis. #ALS #health
Hawking married Jane Wilde, a languages student he met at Cambridge. The marriage lasted until 1995 and produced three children. #family #biography
Hawking earned his PhD with a thesis titled 'Properties of Expanding Universes,' which explored the implications of the Big Bang and singularity theorems. #PhD #cosmology
Hawking proved that the event horizon area of a black hole never decreases, analogous to entropy in thermodynamics. This laid groundwork for black hole thermodynamics. #blackholes #physics
Hawking suggested that black holes could have formed in the early universe, potentially explaining dark matter and other cosmic phenomena. #cosmology #blackholes
Hawking became a professor of gravitational physics at Cambridge, a position he held until 1979 when he became Lucasian Professor of Mathematics. #academia #physics
Hawking showed that black holes emit radiation due to quantum effects near the event horizon, causing them to eventually evaporate. This revolutionized black hole physics. #quantum #blackholes
At age 33, Hawking was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, one of the youngest ever, recognizing his contributions to theoretical physics. #awards #science
Hawking was appointed Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge, a chair once held by Isaac Newton. He held the position until 2009. #academia #prestige
Hawking started writing a popular science book explaining cosmology to the public. It would become his most famous work. #books #science
Following a severe pneumonia, Hawking underwent a tracheostomy that removed his ability to speak. He later used a speech-generating device. #health #technology
The book became an international bestseller, selling over 10 million copies and making Hawking a household name. It explained concepts like black holes and the Big Bang. #bestseller #cosmology
A collection of essays and lectures, this book further popularized Hawking's ideas and his personal reflections on science and life. #books #essays
Hawking divorced Jane Wilde and married Elaine Mason, his former nurse. The marriage lasted until 2006. #personal #biography
This sequel to A Brief History of Time updated readers on advances in cosmology and quantum theory, with lavish illustrations. #books #cosmology
At a conference, Hawking reversed his earlier stance, admitting that information could escape black holes, resolving a long-standing debate. #physics #debate
Hawking divorced his second wife, Elaine Mason, amid reports of strain. He remained close to his children and first wife. #personal #biography
Hawking experienced weightlessness aboard a modified Boeing 727, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The flight was part of a publicity stunt for Virgin Galactic. #space #adventure
Hawking stepped down from the Lucasian chair after 30 years, becoming Professor Emeritus at Cambridge. He continued research and public appearances. #retirement #academia
Co-authored with Leonard Mlodinow, the book argued that the universe's laws may not require a creator, sparking controversy. #books #philosophy
Hawking made a cameo on the popular TV show, playing himself and interacting with the characters. It boosted his pop culture status. #TV #popculture
A memoir recounting his life from childhood to his scientific achievements, offering personal insights into his struggles and triumphs. #memoir #biography
A biographical film starring Eddie Redmayne as Hawking, focusing on his relationship with Jane. It won multiple awards, including an Oscar for Redmayne. #film #biopic
Hawking joined Yuri Milner and Mark Zuckerberg to launch Breakthrough Starshot, a project aiming to send nanocraft to Alpha Centauri. #space #exploration
Hawking died peacefully at his home in Cambridge at age 76. His ashes were interred in Westminster Abbey near Isaac Newton. #obituary #legacy
Hawking's last paper, 'Black Hole Entropy and Soft Hair,' was published, addressing the black hole information paradox with new insights. #physics #blackholes