Stephen
Hawking

Stephen William Hawking, born on January 8, 1942, in Oxford, England, stands as one of the preeminent physicists of the modern age. Despite being diagnosed with a rare form of motor neuron disease (ALS) at the age of 21, which gradually paralyzed him over the years, Hawking's indomitable spirit saw him delve deep into the realms of cosmology and quantum physics. His seminal work on black holes and the nature of singularities challenged and expanded existing theories, culminating in the groundbreaking concept of Hawking radiation.

Apart from his academic achievements, Hawking was a prolific author and communicator of science. His best-selling book, "A Brief History of Time," introduced complex cosmological concepts to lay readers, selling millions of copies worldwide. Throughout his life, Hawking advocated for the importance of science education and exploration, becoming an iconic figure whose contributions to both science and popular culture are immeasurable. When he passed away on March 14, 2018, the world lost a brilliant mind, but his legacy of curiosity, resilience, and discovery endures.