Scientist Stephen Hawking has died aged 76

Authored by news.sky.com and submitted by areallyshitusername
image for Scientist Stephen Hawking has died aged 76

Theresa May has been joined by leading scientists and figures from the entertainment industry in paying tribute to Professor Stephen Hawking who died this morning.

The Prime Minister said in a tweet that Professor Hawking was "one of the greatest scientists of his generation" and "his legacy will not be forgotten".

Eddie Redmayne, who won an Oscar for his portrayal as the physicist in The Theory Of Everything, said in a statement: "We have lost a truly beautiful mind, an astonishing scientist and the funniest man I have ever had the pleasure to meet.

"My love and thoughts are with his extraordinary family."

British astronaut Tim Peake tweeted that Professor Hawking, who was 76, "inspired generations to look beyond our own blue planet and expand our understanding of the universe".

Professor Stephen Hawking was a brilliant and extraordinary mind - one of the great scientists of his generation. His courage, humour and determination to get the most from life was an inspiration. His legacy will not be forgotten. — Theresa May (@theresa_may) March 14, 2018

Image: Eddie Redmayne played the role of the scientist in the film The Theory of Everything

Physicist and television personality Professor Brian Cox wrote: "What a remarkable life.

"His contributions to science will be used as long as there are scientists, and there are many more scientists because of him."

Professor Hawking contracted motor neurone disease in 1963 aged 21.

Despite doctors giving him just two years to live, he went on to study cosmology at Cambridge and became one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Albert Einstein.

For much of his time in the public eye, his illness confined him to a wheelchair and, from 1985, he communicated through a computer.

American astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson tweeted: "His passing has left an intellectual vacuum in his wake.

"But it's not empty. Think of it as a kind of vacuum energy permeating the fabric of spacetime that defies measure.

Sad to hear about Stephen Hawking. What a remarkable life. His contributions to science will be used as long as there are scientists, and there are many more scientists because of him. He spoke about the value and fragility of human life and civilisation and greatly enhanced both — Brian Cox (@ProfBrianCox) March 14, 2018

Remembering Stephen Hawking, a renowned physicist and ambassador of science. His theories unlocked a universe of possibilities that we & the world are exploring. May you keep flying like superman in microgravity, as you said to astronauts on @Space_Station in 2014 pic.twitter.com/FeR4fd2zZ5 — NASA (@NASA) March 14, 2018

His passing has left an intellectual vacuum in his wake. But it's not empty. Think of it as a kind of vacuum energy permeating the fabric of spacetime that defies measure. Stephen Hawking, RIP 1942-2018. pic.twitter.com/nAanMySqkt — Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) March 14, 2018

Comedy actor David Walliams has also paid tribute to Prof Hawking, with the physicist having appeared in his sketch show Little Britain.

He wrote: "Goodbye #StephenHawking Thank you for being - amongst everything else - a great laugh."

Professor Hawking's children, Lucy, Robert and Tim, said in a statement that he had died at his home in Cambridge in the early hours of Wednesday.

They said: "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 humour 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'.

Goodbye #StephenHawking Thank you for being - amongst everything else - a great laugh. pic.twitter.com/M1d1GEsv9r — David Walliams (@davidwalliams) March 14, 2018

They asked for privacy but added their thanks to "everyone who has been by Professor Hawking's side and supported him - throughout his life".

:: The man who made astro-physics understandable

The world-renowned astrophysicist was given more than a dozen honorary degrees in his career and was awarded a CBE in 1982.

It was his 1988 book A Brief History Of Time that cemented his position as one of the best-known scientists of his time.

R.I.P. Stephen Hawking. Among his many profound contributions to this world was this simple sentiment: “It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.” — Samantha Power (@SamanthaJPower) March 14, 2018

The world has lost a beautiful mind and a brilliant scientist. RIP Stephen Hawking — Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) March 14, 2018

Professor Hawking's first attempt to write a popular book about the physics and the universe's beginnings was a massive success, spending 237 weeks on the Sunday Times best sellers list.

Professor Hawking was the subject of the 2014 film The Theory Of Everything, which starred Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones.

He also performed cameos in the US comedy series The Big Bang Theory as well as The Simpsons and Star Trek.

But in between his screen appearances, his amazing mind tackled everything from the origins of the universe to the possibility of time travel and the mystery of the solar system's black holes.

Image: Hawking contracted ALS in 1963 at the age of 21

Image: Pope Francis was one of those who met Stephen Hawking

He once described belief in a God who intervenes in the universe "to make sure the good guys win or get rewarded in the next life" as wishful thinking.

"But one can't help asking the question: Why does the universe exist?" he said in 1991.

"I don't know an operational way to give the question or the answer, if there is one, a meaning. But it bothers me."

The University of Cambridge will open a book of condolence at Gonville and Caius College.

ludgarthewarwolf on March 14th, 2018 at 03:54 UTC »

I wonder if any time travelers will come to his funeral.

Zombiex100 on March 14th, 2018 at 03:49 UTC »

I didn't even realize he was that old! Completely shocked god damn

mrdancingalpaca on March 14th, 2018 at 03:48 UTC »

RIP to one of the greatest minds in the past century.