 |
Stephen HawkingFamous British astrophysicist
Date of Birth: 08.01.1942
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Stephen Hawking
Early Life and EducationRenowned British astrophysicist and theoretical physicist Stephen William Hawking was born on January 8, 1942, in Oxford, United Kingdom, into a family of medical professionals. His father, Frank, was involved in scientific research, while his mother, Isabelle, worked as a secretary in a medical institution, alongside her husband. Stephen grew up with two sisters and his stepbrother Edward, who was adopted by the Hawking family. After completing high school, Stephen enrolled at the University of Oxford, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1962. Two and a half years later, in 1966, he became one of the first PhD holders from Trinity Hall, a college at the University of Cambridge.
Illness
From an early age, Stephen was a healthy boy, unaffected by any illnesses. However, tragedy struck in his youth when he was diagnosed with a debilitating disease known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The diagnosis was devastating, as the disease progressed rapidly, leaving Stephen completely paralyzed. Despite this, Stephen always maintained a kind smile in photographs. Even though he was confined to a wheelchair, he continued to pursue intellectual development, engaging in self-education and studying scientific literature. Stephen fought every minute of his life. His indomitable spirit led him to become a fellow of the Royal Society in 1974. In 1985, Stephen underwent a tracheotomy due to complications from pneumonia. Since then, he lost his ability to speak but continued to communicate with colleagues using a computerized speech synthesizer specifically designed for him by engineers at the University of Cambridge. For a while, Stephen could move his right index finger, but eventually, even this ability was lost. The only mobile muscle left was a facial muscle in his cheek, which he used to operate a sensor that allowed him to communicate with the computer and interact with those around him. Despite his debilitating illness, Stephen Hawking's biography is filled with colorful events, scientific discoveries, and achievements. The debilitating disease did not break him; it only slightly altered the course of his life. Stephen Hawking, nearly paralyzed, saw no barriers in his own illness and led a full and fulfilling life.
Physics
Stephen Hawking's main areas of specialization were cosmology and quantum gravity. He studied thermodynamic processes occurring in wormholes, black holes, and dark matter. An observational phenomenon known as "Hawking radiation" is named after him, describing the process of black hole evaporation. In 1974, Stephen and another prominent researcher at the time, Kip Thorne, had a debate regarding the nature of the cosmic object Cygnus X-1 and its radiation. Despite contradicting his own research, Stephen argued that the object was not a black hole. However, he admitted defeat in 1990 and conceded victory to Thorne. It is worth noting that the stakes of the bet were rather "serious." Stephen Hawking bet his annual subscription to the erotic magazine "Penthouse," while Kip Thorne bet a four-year subscription to the satirical magazine "Private Eye."
In 1997, Stephen Hawking made another bet, this time with Kip Thorne against John Preskill. The controversial discussion became the starting point for Stephen Hawking's revolutionary research, which he presented at a special press conference in 2004. John Preskill argued that black holes emit waves containing information that cannot be deciphered. Hawking contradicted this argument, basing his claims on research conducted in 1975. He asserted that information cannot be decrypted because it enters a parallel universe to our galaxy.
In 2004, during a press conference in Dublin on the topic of cosmology, Stephen Hawking put forth a new theory on the nature of black holes. Despite this, he once again had to concede defeat and admit the correctness of his opponent. In his theory, the physicist ultimately proved that information does not disappear without a trace but eventually leaves the black hole along with thermal radiation.
Stephen Hawking also authored several documentaries about the Universe.
Personal Life
In 1965, Stephen Hawking married Jane Wilde, whom he met at a charity event. The couple had two sons and a daughter together. However, his personal life with Jane was not smooth, and they divorced in 1991. The official reasons for their divorce were not disclosed.
In 1995, Stephen Hawking married for the second time. His caregiver, Elaine Mason, whom he had known for a long time, became his wife. After an eleven-year marriage, Hawking divorced his second wife as well.
Stephen Hawking's children supported him in all his endeavors and undertakings. Additionally, the scientist was constantly supported by his close friend, Hollywood comedian Jim Carrey, with whom he appeared at events and photoshoots for magazines.
Politics and Religion
Hawking rejected any theory of the existence of God and identified as an atheist. Despite this fact, he was blessed by Pope Francis at a special symposium held at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. In terms of political preferences, Stephen Hawking aligned himself with the Labour Party.
In the spring of 1968, the scientist participated in a demonstration against the Vietnam War alongside activist Tariq Ali and actress Vanessa Redgrave.
In the 1980s, Hawking supported his colleagues' idea of nuclear disarmament, universal healthcare, and the normalization of global climate.
In 2003, he criticized the decision of the American president, which led to the war in Iraq, labeling it a crime committed by military officials. That same year, he supported the boycott of participants at an Israeli conference on political power in relation to Palestinian residents.
In his final years, Stephen Hawking continued to work on new questions about the universe, giving lectures on physics at institutes and engaging in active research.
Death
British media reported that Stephen Hawking passed away in his home early in the morning on March 14, 2018. His children confirmed the news, stating, "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."
