--- title: Stephen Hawking slug: stephen-hawking-baefc url: /detay/stephen-hawking-baefc type: biography language: English entity: primary: Stephen Hawking type: biography categories: - name: General Knowledge slug: genel-kultur url: /kategori/genel-kultur - name: Aviation And Space slug: havacilik-ve-uzay url: /kategori/havacilik-ve-uzay - name: Science And Technology slug: bilim url: /kategori/bilim tags: - Black Hole - physics - Stephen Hawking - space author: Osman Özbay created_at: 2026-07-14T18:07:21.803545+03:00 updated_at: 2026-07-14T18:07:21.803545+03:00 image: https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/03/10/Evh4qqzemAwfOrIzGqzssNjGSyDDFY0v.jpg --- # Stephen Hawking > Stephen Hawking was an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and science writer who lived between 1942 and 2018 ## KURE Information Cards ### KURE Information Card: Stephen Hawking ![Adsız tasarım.png](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/03/10/w9SJwmxiIAlpWLd8hfOQOoI2Kflq2SFI.png) | Field | Value | |-------|-------| | Child | Robert Hawking,Tim Hawking,Lucy Hawking | | Spouse | Elaine Mason (m. 1995–2006),Jane Hawking (m. 1965–1995) | | Date of death | 2018-03-14 | | Date of birth | 1942-01-08 | | Mother | Isobel Hawking | | Father | Frank Hawking | ## Article Content **Stephen William Hawking** is regarded as one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century for his contributions to theoretical physics. Known for his efforts to unify general relativity and [quantum](/en/detay/kuantum/llms.txt) mechanics, Hawking made significant contributions to science through his research on the physical properties of [black](/en/detay/kara-749397/llms.txt) holes. He is also recognized for his struggle with motor neuron disease (ALS) and his work in popularizing science. ![Image](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/03/10/l4put6248JD7TFy78dIDJJMxmQCHuOUq.webp) *AI-generated representative image: Stephen Hawking.* ### **Early Life and Education** Hawking was born on 8 [January](/en/detay/ocak-2/llms.txt) 1942 in Oxford, United Kingdom. His father, **Frank Hawking**, was a biologist and his mother, **Isobel Hawking**, a political activist. His family placed great [importance](/en/detay/onem/llms.txt) on academic achievement. After studying natural sciences at the University of Oxford, he pursued graduate and doctoral studies in cosmology at the University of Cambridge. At a young age, Hawking was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and was told that the disease would progress rapidly and that his life would be short. Despite his physical disabilities, he continued his scientific work without interruption and achieved major milestones in his career. [Hawking’s](/en/detay/stephen-hawking-db017/llms.txt) learning style differed from that of conventional students. He rarely attended lectures but grasped concepts quickly and conducted [independent](/en/detay/bagimsiz-2/llms.txt) research. Under the guidance of his doctoral supervisor at Cambridge, **Dennis Sciama**, he carried out in-depth studies on [black holes](/en/detay/black-hole-0d971/llms.txt) and general relativity. ### **Scientific Contributions and Achievements** One of Hawking’s most [famous](/en/detay/unlu-749478/llms.txt) scientific achievements was his proposal that black holes emit radiation. This radiation later became known as **Hawking Radiation**. In his quest to understand the structure of the universe by unifying [Einstein’s](/en/detay/albert-einstein-ffa68/llms.txt) general relativity with quantum mechanics, Hawking developed theories on the nature of black holes and the cosmic origin. Another important contribution was the singularity theorems he developed [with](/en/detay/birlikte/llms.txt) Roger Penrose. These works concluded that both black holes and the initial point of the universe could contain a singularity where the laws of physics cease to be valid. Hawking was among the scientists seeking to resolve the inconsistencies between quantum mechanics and general relativity. His Hawking Radiation hypothesis revolutionized astrophysics by suggesting that black holes may not exist forever and could gradually evaporate and [disappear](/en/detay/yok-749611/llms.txt) over time. ![Image](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/03/15/UDdKfS9wddgG2Ulj3iVcSVyy64XPr0JT.webp) *AI-generated representative image: Stephen Hawking.* ### **Contributions to Popular Science** Hawking wrote numerous books aimed at explaining his scientific work in accessible language. His book *A Brief History of Time* (1988) became one of the best-selling popular science books, selling millions of copies. In this book, he presented fundamental knowledge about the nature of the universe, black holes and the concept of [time](/en/detay/zaman-2/llms.txt) to the general public. He further extended the reach of complex physical theories to broad audiences through other books such as *The Universe in a Nutshell* and *The Grand Design*. In addition to science, he expressed important views on artificial intelligence and the future of humanity. ### **Stephen Hawking’s Scientific Publications and Contributions** Stephen Hawking made significant scientific contributions in theoretical physics. His research on black holes, general relativity, quantum mechanics and cosmology has provided important advances to [modern](/en/detay/modern-2/llms.txt) science. ##### **Important Scientific Papers** 1. **"Black Hole Explosions?" (Nature, 1974):** It was proposed that black holes emit radiation through a process now known as Hawking Radiation. This theory demonstrates that black holes can lose mass over time and eventually evaporate completely. 2. **"The Singularities of Gravitational Collapse and Cosmology" (Proceedings of the Royal Society, 1970):** Based on Einstein’s general theory of relativity, it was mathematically demonstrated that singularities exist at the center of black holes and that the laws of physics may break down at these points. 3. **"Particle Creation by Black Holes" (Communications in Mathematical Physics, 1975):** It was detailed how black holes can lose mass by emitting particles due to quantum effects. 4. **"Breakdown of Predictability in Gravitational Collapse" (Physical Review D, 1976):** The question of whether information falling into a black hole is lost was addressed. This work introduced the problem now known as the black hole information paradox. 5. **"The Large Scale Structure of Space-Time" (Cambridge University Press, 1973):** An academic work containing detailed mathematical explanations of general relativity and the structure of the universe. 6. **"Inflation: An Open and Shut Case" (Physical Review D, 1982):** The inflation theory explaining the expansion of the universe was evaluated and supported. 7. **"Quantum Cosmology" (Physical Review D, 1983):** The model known as the Hartle-Hawking State was developed. According to this model, the origin of the universe does not involve a classical singularity but can be explained within the framework of quantum mechanics. ##### **Significance of Scientific Contributions** 1. **Black Hole Physics:** Hawking’s work enabled the study of black holes from the perspective of quantum mechanics and proposed that these objects could eventually vanish entirely. 2. **Origin of the Universe:** He introduced new approaches to the origin of the universe and developed models that unified quantum mechanics with cosmology. 3. **General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics:** He conducted research aimed at reconciling these two fundamental theories of physics. 4. **Information Paradox:** He initiated debates on whether information falling into black holes is lost and contributed to the development of new theories in this area. ##### **Scientific and Popular Science Books:** ##### **Children’s Books:** 1. **George’s Secret Key to the Universe (George’s Secret Key to the Universe)** 2. **George’s Cosmic Treasure Hunt (George’s Cosmic Treasure Hunt)** 3. **George and the Big Bang (George and the Big Bang)** 4. **George and the Unbreakable Code (George and the Unbreakable Code)** 5. **George and the Blue Moon (George and the Blue Moon)** ### **Awards and Honors** Stephen Hawking received numerous prestigious awards for his groundbreaking work in theoretical physics and cosmology. ##### **Scientific Awards and Medals** 1. **Eddington Medal (1975):** Awarded by the Royal Astronomical Society for outstanding achievements in astrophysics. 2. **Hughes Medal (1976):** Awarded by the Royal Society for significant contributions to theoretical physics. 3. **Albert Einstein Award (1978):** A prestigious award given to scientists who have made major contributions to theoretical physics, in keeping with Einstein’s legacy. 4. **Maxwell Medal and Prize (1979):** Awarded by the Institute of Physics for contributions to theoretical physics. 5. **Dirac Medal (1987):** Awarded by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) for exceptional work in theoretical physics. 6. **Wolf Prize (1988):** Awarded jointly with Roger Penrose for contributions to black holes and cosmology. 7. **Copley Medal (2006):** One of the highest scientific honors awarded by the Royal Society. This medal, previously awarded to figures such as Newton and Darwin, was presented to Hawking for his extraordinary contributions to science. 8. **Fonseca Prize (2008):** Awarded by the University of Santiago de Compostela for scientific and intellectual achievements. 9. **Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009):** Awarded by U.S. President Barack Obama for his contributions to science and humanity. 10. **Fundamental Physics Prize (2013):** Awarded for his theoretical work on black holes and the nature of the universe. ##### **Honorary Memberships and Academic Titles** 1. **Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) (1974):** Elected to the United Kingdom’s most prestigious scientific academy. 2. **Member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (1986):** One of the highest academic honors conferred by the Vatican. 3. **Member of the National Academy of Sciences (USA) (1992):** Elected to one of the United States’ most prestigious scientific institutions. 4. **Lucasian Professor of Mathematics, University of Cambridge (1979–2009):** Held this prestigious academic position for 30 years, previously held by Isaac Newton. ### **Illness and Personal Life** Despite gradually losing his ability to [move](/en/detay/hareket-3/llms.txt) due to ALS, Hawking continued to communicate using a specially developed computer system. He married Jane Wilde in 1965 and had three children from this marriage. He divorced Wilde in 1995 and married Elaine Mason, but this marriage also ended in 2006. Although motor neuron disease made life difficult for Hawking, it did not diminish his passion for scientific work. After a tracheotomy in 1985, he lost his voice entirely and thereafter used a computer-assisted communication device to express his thoughts. ### **Death, Legacy and Impact** Hawking continued his scientific research and efforts to communicate science to the public until the end of his life. **He died on 14 March 2018 at the age of 76.** His scientific legacy has greatly advanced our understanding of black holes and the structure of the universe. He also became an inspirational figure who demonstrated that success is possible despite profound physical challenges. ## Academic Sources and References 1. "Stephen Hawking - University of Cambridge." University of Cambridge. Accessed March 11, 2025. 2. "Stephen Hawking Receives Copley Medal - NASA." NASA. Accessed March 11, 2025. 3. "Stephen Hawking | Britannica." Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed March 11, 2025. 4. Hartle, J. B., and Stephen Hawking. "Wave Function of the Universe." Physical Review D 28, no. 12 (1983): 2960–2975. 5. Hawking, Stephen, and G. F. R. Ellis. The Large Scale Structure of Space-Time. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1973. 6. Hawking, Stephen, and Leonard Mlodinow. The Grand Design. New York: Bantam Books, 2010. 7. Hawking, Stephen, and Roger Penrose. "The Singularities of Gravitational Collapse and Cosmology." Proceedings of the Royal Society A 314, no. 1519 (1970): 529–548. 8. Hawking, Stephen. "Black Hole Explosions?" Nature 248, no. 5443 (1974): 30–31. 9. Hawking, Stephen. "Breakdown of Predictability in Gravitational Collapse." Physical Review D 14, no. 10 (1976): 2460–2473. 10. Hawking, Stephen. "Inflation: An Open and Shut Case." Physical Review D 28, no. 2 (1982): 296–311. 11. Hawking, Stephen. "Particle Creation by Black Holes." Communications in Mathematical Physics 43, no. 3 (1975): 199–220. 12. Hawking, Stephen. A Brief History of Time. New York: Bantam Books, 1988. 13. Hawking, Stephen. The Universe in a Nutshell. New York: Bantam Books, 2001. 14. Stephen Hawking Official Website. Accessed March 14, 2025. https://www.hawking.org.uk.