Physicist Stephen Hawking’s life remembered and honored

World Today

Tributes are pouring in from around the world for renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, who’s considered one of the greatest scientists of all time. He died at his home in Cambridge, England. He was 76.

CGTN’s Richard Bestic reports.

Wherever he went, Stephen Hawking was hailed as an intellectual giant. His lectures were hugely popular for their mix of humor, humanity and brilliance.

“I want to report that I think I have solved a major problem in theoretical physics that has been around since I discovered that black holes radiate thermally thirty years ago,” said Hawking at one lecture.

At the age of 21 he was told in 1966 that he had just two years to live.

After four decades of being confined to a wheelchair, he even tried a zero gravity experience at Kennedy Space Centre seeing science as a savior for humankind

Hawking ultimately lost his voice to motor neuron disease and a speech synthesizer became the sound of his thinking to the world.

He became internationally famous for his 1988 book a Brief History of Time, one of the most complex tomes to ever achieve mass appeal.

A movie of Hawking’s life “The Theory of Everything,” mirrored his professional achievements and his personal setbacks.

A book of condolence has been opened at Hawking’s old university in memory of the man who made the universe understandable.


Haixing Miao discusses Stephen Hawking’s life and legacy

CGTN’s Asieh Namdar spoke Lecturer and Birmingham University School of Physics and Astronomy, Haixing Miao PhD,about the legacy of Astrophysicist, Stephen Hawking.