113 Space Man (Stephen Hawking)

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Who was Stephen Hawking?

Stephen Hawking (January 8, 1942 – March 14, 2018) was a world-renowned British theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author whose groundbreaking work on black holes, relativity, and quantum mechanics transformed our understanding of the universe. Despite being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 21, Hawking defied the odds, living for more than 50 years with the disease and becoming one of the most celebrated scientists of all time.

Born in Oxford, England, Hawking studied at University College, Oxford, and later earned his Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge. His research into the nature of black holes led to the discovery of "Hawking radiation," a theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation—a major breakthrough in modern physics.

In 1988, he achieved global fame with the publication of A Brief History of Time, a bestselling book that explained complex scientific concepts to general audiences. The book sold over 10 million copies and established Hawking as a cultural icon. He appeared in popular media, including The Simpsons, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and The Big Bang Theory.

Hawking held the prestigious Lucasian Chair of Mathematics at Cambridge and received countless honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He continued to work, lecture, and inspire, using a speech-generating device after losing the ability to speak.

Stephen Hawking passed away in 2018 at age 76. His legacy endures through his scientific contributions, popular writings, and the inspiration he gave to millions worldwide.