The Life of Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking was born in England on January 8th, 1942. He first attended college at the University of Oxford, where he studied physics. He later went to the Trinity Hall, a university located in Cambridge, England. Here is where he would study cosmology (the study of the universe). Later in 1963, just shy of his 21st birthday, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). With this, it was believed that he would only be able to live for two more years. However, he defied the odds and graduated with a doctorate degree (PhD) in physics. Despite having ALS, he was able to provide a better understanding of our universe for decades to come.

Major Accomplishments

Four Laws of Black Hole Mechanics

Stephen Hawking, James Bardeen, and Brandon Carter worked together to discover the physical properties of black holes. The four laws of black hole mechanics establish that black holes correspond to the laws of thermodynamics. Specifically, Hawking’s accomplishment was his essay called “Black Holes” that won the Gravity Research Foundation Award.

Hawking Radiation

Stephen Hawking debunked the myth that objects couldn’t escape black holes. He proved that black holes emit radiation, which could continue until their energy is released in the form of evaporation. Although his prediction was originally controversial, he provided the gateway for further research in theoretical physics. Not soon after the discovery of his announcement, he became one of the youngest to be elected to the Royal Society of London where he would become the Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He also received multiple awards for his theories on theoretical physics.

Author

As an author, Stephen Hawking published his most famous work, “A Brief History of Time.” This book explains topics related to cosmology, the Big Bang Theory, black holes and light cones. He wrote his book in such way that allows even average readers to clearly understand his ideas. This book was quick to become bestseller, selling more than 10 million copies in 20 years. “A Brief History of Time” is most definitely one of Hawking’s best accomplishments.

His Legacy

Despite having ALS, Stephen Hawking accomplished many things in theoretical physics, cosmology and literature. He provides us a sense of hope and motivation to do what others would think as impossible. Unfortunately, Hawking died on March 13th, 2018. With his death, his will legacy still continue to inspire many people.

Works Cited

Redd, N. T. (n.d.). Stephen Hawking Biography (1942-2018). Retrieved March 23, 2018, from https://www.space.com/15923-stephen-hawking.htm

Biography. Com (n.d.). Stephen Hawking Biography Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/people/stephen-hawking-9331710

Anirudh. (2015, December 22). 10 Major Accomplishments of Stephen Hawking | Learnodo Newtonic. Retrieved from https://learnodo-newtonic.com/stephen-hawking-accomplishments

Image References

Bussing, K. (2018, March 19). Legendary British Physicist Stephen Hawking Dies At 76. Retrieved from https://www.dogonews.com/2018/3/19/legendary-british-physicist-stephen-hawking-dies-at-76

Quanta Magazine. (n.d.). Stephen Hawking's Black Hole Paradox Keeps Physicists Puzzled | Quanta Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.quantamagazine.org/stephen-hawkings-black-hole-paradox-keeps-physicists-puzzled-20180314/

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