DEAD OR ALIVE

Stephen Hawking

English theoretical physicist and cosmologist known for his groundbreaking research on black holes and the universe.

Stephen Hawking is one of 1179 people in the A–Z index, listed under S.

Is Stephen Hawking dead or alive?

Who is Stephen Hawking?

Stephen Hawking is best known for Pioneering work in theoretical physics and cosmology, including black hole radiation and the nature of the universe. Dead or Alive is a trivia game: you decide whether a famous person is still alive, then see the answer. The status for Stephen Hawking is checked against public sources such as Wikidata and is shown only after you answer.

Facts

Known for: Pioneering work in theoretical physics and cosmology, including black hole radiation and the nature of the universe.

About Stephen Hawking

Between 1979 and 2009, he was the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge, widely viewed as one of the most prestigious academic posts in the world. In 1959, at the age of 17, he began his university education at University College, Oxford, where he received a first-class BA degree in physics. In 1962, he began his graduate work at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where, in 1966, he obtained his PhD in applied mathematics and theoretical physics, specialising in general relativity and cosmology. In 1963, at age 21, Hawking was diagnosed with an early-onset slow-progressing form of motor neurone disease that gradually, over decades, paralysed him. After the loss of his speech, he communicated through a speech-generating device, initially through use of a handheld switch, and eventually by using a single cheek muscle. Hawking's scientific works included a collaboration with Roger Penrose on gravitational singularity theorems in the framework of general relativity, and the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, often called Hawking radiation. Initially, Hawking radiation was controversial. Hawking was the first to set out a theory of cosmology explained by a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. He supported the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics. He also introduced the notion of a micro black hole.

Text from the Wikipedia article Stephen Hawking, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Sentences about life status are left out so the game is not spoiled.

Frequently asked questions

What is Stephen Hawking known for?

Stephen Hawking is known for Pioneering work in theoretical physics and cosmology, including black hole radiation and the nature of the universe.

Is Stephen Hawking still alive?

Make your guess with the Dead and Alive buttons at the top of this page; the answer and the source are shown right after you answer.