Iconic Physicist Stephen Hawking dies at 76

LONDON (92 News) – Stephen Hawking died Wednesday after complications due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. He was 76. According to media reports, Professor Hawking's children, Lucy, Robert and Tim said in a statement: 'We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today. 'He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years. 'His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humor inspired people across the world. '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.' The world-renowned theoretical physicist and cosmologist was best known for his work on black holes. Hawking theorized that, contrary to the prevailing scientific belief that black holes were inescapable for all forms of matter and energy, they actually emitted a form of radiation ― now known as Hawking radiation. He also played a key role in the mathematical effort to unify Einstein’s general theory of relativity with the emergent field of quantum physics. Hawking used his position as one of the world’s most famous scientists as a platform to discuss a wide range of issues, from the existence of extraterrestrial life to the nature of philosophy. He skyrocketed to public prominence in 1988, when he published his first general-audience book, A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes. The cosmology treatise has sold approximately 10 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling science books of all time. The world famous physicist and cosmologist was the subject of the 2014 film The Theory Of Everything, which starred Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones. He also performed several cameos in the US comedy series The Big Bang Theory. Hawking contracted motor neurone disease in 1963 and was given two years to live but he went on to study at Cambridge and became one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Albert Einstein. He was given more than a dozen honorary degrees and was awarded the CBE in 1982.