A brief history of time
Stephen Hawking (1942-2018) was regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists in history. He is known for his contributions to the fields of cosmology, general relativity and quantum gravity, especially in the context of black holes. In the 1960s and 1970s, he worked on ground-breaking theorems regarding singularities within the framework of general relativity, and made the theoretical prediction that black holes should emit radiation (known today as Hawking radiation).
In early 1963,Hawking was diagnosed with a rare disease called ALS. The motor neurone disease made him less mobile and he began using a wheelchair. An emergency tracheotomy caused his total loss of speech. A speech-generating device constructed at Cambridge, combined with a software program, served as his electronic voice, allowing Hawking to select his words by moving the muscles in his cheek.Yet, Hawking defied the odds, not only attaining his Ph.D. but also forging new roads into the understanding of the universe in the decades since.
The most recognisable scientist of our age, Hawking holds an iconic status. His genre-defining book, A Brief History of Time, has sold more than 10 million copies since its publication in 1988, and has been translated into more than 35 languages.
One of my favourite, this book describes the mysteries of birth and death of the universe in a very Layman's language.
No comments:
Post a Comment