Early Life and Family Background
Stephen William Hawking was born on January 8, 1942, in Oxford, England. His birth coincided with the 300th anniversary of the death of Galileo Galilei, a fact that Hawking often mentioned. His family was highly intellectual; his father, Frank Hawking, was a research biologist, and his mother, Isobel Hawking, worked as a secretary for a medical research institute.
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| Stephen Hawking giving a lecture for NASAs 50th anniversary 21 April 2008 |
Hawking's early home life was somewhat unconventional. His family placed a high value on education and intellectual pursuits. Dinnertime often included reading and discussion rather than typical conversation. This environment fostered an early interest in science and learning in Stephen.
Education and Early Interests
Stephen attended St. Albans School, an independent school in Hertfordshire, where he was an average student initially. However, his natural curiosity and intelligence shone through. His interest in science was ignited by two of his teachers, one in mathematics and the other in physics.
In 1959, at the age of 17, Hawking enrolled at University College, Oxford. Initially, he found the academic work easy and somewhat boring. He preferred extracurricular activities such as coxing the rowing team. Despite his initial lack of focus on his studies, Hawking graduated with a first-class BA degree in natural science in 1962.
Graduate Studies and Early Research
Hawking began his graduate work at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, in 1962. He studied under the supervision of Dennis Sciama, a renowned physicist. During his first year at Cambridge, Hawking noticed increasing clumsiness and other symptoms that led to his diagnosis of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) in 1963. The prognosis was grim, and doctors gave him a life expectancy of only two years. This diagnosis initially caused Hawking to become despondent, but he soon found a renewed sense of purpose and determination to continue his research.
Hawking completed his doctorate in 1966 with a thesis on "Properties of Expanding Universes." His work focused on singularities, which are points in spacetime where gravitational forces cause matter to have an infinite density and zero volume. This was a groundbreaking contribution to the field of cosmology.
Professional Career and Major Contributions
Hawking's career was marked by several significant scientific contributions:
1. Singularity Theorems: In collaboration with mathematician Roger Penrose, Hawking extended Penrose's singularity theorem concepts to the entire universe. They demonstrated that singularities are not anomalies but rather an essential feature of general relativity. Their work showed that the universe must have originated from a singularity, supporting the Big Bang theory.
2. Hawking Radiation: In 1974, Hawking made a groundbreaking discovery by applying quantum mechanics to black holes. He proposed that black holes could emit radiation due to quantum effects near the event horizon. This radiation, now known as Hawking radiation, suggested that black holes could eventually evaporate and disappear. This discovery was crucial as it bridged the gap between quantum mechanics and general relativity.
3. The No-Boundary Proposal: In collaboration with James Hartle, Hawking developed the no-boundary proposal in 1983. This theory proposed that the universe is finite in size but has no boundaries. In this model, time behaves like another dimension of space at the beginning of the universe. This theory has significant implications for our understanding of the universe's origins.
4. Top-Down Cosmology: Later in his career, Hawking developed the concept of top-down cosmology. This model suggests that the present state of the universe determines its history through a process of quantum superposition, rather than having a single, unique past.
Popular Science and Writing
Stephen Hawking was not only a brilliant scientist but also a gifted communicator. His ability to explain complex scientific concepts to the general public made him a global icon. His book, "A Brief History of Time," published in 1988, became an international bestseller and has sold over 10 million copies. The book explores fundamental questions about the universe, such as the nature of time, black holes, and the Big Bang.
Hawking authored several other popular science books, including:
- "Black Holes and Baby Universes and Other Essays" (1993)
- "The Universe in a Nutshell" (2001)
- "A Briefer History of Time" (2005, co-authored with Leonard Mlodinow)
- "The Grand Design" (2010, co-authored with Leonard Mlodinow)
- "Brief Answers to the Big Questions" (2018)
Personal Life and Challenges
Despite his physical limitations, Hawking led a full and active life. He married Jane Wilde in 1965, and they had three children: Robert, Lucy, and Timothy. Jane played a significant role in supporting Stephen through his illness, but their relationship faced many challenges due to his increasing disability and the demands of his career. They separated in 1990 and divorced in 1995.
Hawking later married Elaine Mason, one of his nurses, in 1995. This marriage also faced difficulties, and they divorced in 2006.
Recognition and Honors
Stephen Hawking received numerous honors and awards throughout his life, including:
- Fellowship of the Royal Society (FRS) in 1974
- CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1982
- Companion of Honour in 1989
- The Wolf Prize in Physics in 1988
- The Copley Medal from the Royal Society in 2006
- The Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, awarded by U.S. President Barack Obama
Hawking held the position of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge from 1979 to 2009, a position once held by Isaac Newton.
Death and Legacy
Stephen Hawking passed away on March 14, 2018, at the age of 76. His death was widely mourned, and he was celebrated for his extraordinary contributions to science and his indomitable spirit. His ashes were interred in Westminster Abbey, alongside other great scientists such as Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.
Hawking's work has had a profound impact on our understanding of the universe. His theories continue to influence the fields of cosmology and theoretical physics. Beyond his scientific achievements, Hawking's life story has inspired millions to pursue knowledge and to overcome adversity.
Impact on Popular Culture
Stephen Hawking became a cultural icon, appearing in numerous television shows, documentaries, and films. Notable portrayals include:
- "The Theory of Everything" (2014), a biographical film about his life, starring Eddie Redmayne, who won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Hawking.
- Guest appearances on popular TV shows like "The Simpsons," "Star Trek: The Next Generation," and "The Big Bang Theory."
Hawking's voice, synthesized by a speech-generating device, became one of the most recognizable in the world. His unique sense of humor and his ability to engage with the public made him a beloved figure beyond the scientific community.
Stephen Hawking's legacy is one of intellectual brilliance, resilience, and an unwavering quest to understand the cosmos. His contributions have left an indelible mark on science and popular culture, ensuring that his name will be remembered for generations to come.