The physicist died peacefully in his home
Celebrated theoretical physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking has died, aged 76.
In a statement his children, Lucy, Robert and Tim, 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.”
NASA paid tribute to one of modern history’s titanic minds, referencing a message he passed to astronauts on the International Space Station.
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
Hawking experienced microgravity himself during a zero-g flight. He said that those who knew him well described his smile during that flight as “the biggest they had ever seen” and that the moment provided “true freedom.”
Other tributes have poured in for the cosmologist.
We have lost a colossal mind and a wonderful spirit. Rest in peace, Stephen Hawking. https://t.co/ectv7r4UIm
— Tim Berners-Lee (@timberners_lee) 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
https://twitter.com/kumailn/status/973772005467025408
“Be curious, and however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.” -Stephen Hawking
— Carrie Hope Fletcher (@CarrieHFletcher) March 14, 2018
Stephen Hawking proved that even black holes are not immortal. But his contributions to science and his towering legacy will forever be etched into our history. He is the giant on whose shoulders every future generation will be so privileged to stand.
— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) March 14, 2018
"Look up at the stars and not down at your feet" – Professor Stephen Hawking
1942-2018 https://t.co/h8uWznhEpb pic.twitter.com/RVeQx2BTxP— Cambridge University (@Cambridge_Uni) March 14, 2018
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
He inspired generations to look beyond our own blue planet and expand our understanding of the universe. His personality and genius will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with his family.
BBC News – Stephen Hawking dies aged 76 https://t.co/YOuoA6rfzP
— Tim Peake (@astro_timpeake) March 14, 2018
The world has lost a beautiful mind and a brilliant scientist. RIP Stephen Hawking
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) March 14, 2018
Stephen Hawking died today. I nearly killed him, and he me, 15 years ago, when his wheelchair shot out between two parked cars at Cambridge, and I was on my bike. I swerved at the last moment. 100% his fault. God bless you and RIP.
— Dr. Sarah Parcak (@indyfromspace) March 14, 2018
Stephen Hawking inspired the world with his determination to explain the mysteries of the cosmos. But he also showed breathtaking courage to overcome life's adversities and a burning passion to protect our National Health Service. He will be greatly missed.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) March 14, 2018
"However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do…"
RIP Stephen Hawking pic.twitter.com/Tqnfxt1bxl
— C4 Paralympics (@C4Paralympics) March 14, 2018
“Remember to look up at the stars & not down at your feet.Try to make sense of what you see & wonder about what makes the universe exist. However difficult life may seem there is always something you can do & succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.”RIP Stephen Hawking
— Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) March 14, 2018
Stephen Hawking was a defining force in the world of science whose loss will be felt in every corner of the globe. I was sad that we didn’t agree on everything, but he was still a hero to me as one of our greatest ever thinkers – he inspired with his courage as well as his words.
— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) March 14, 2018
As politicians pay tribute to Stephen Hawking do note he was sueing the Health Secretary over concerns about NHS "Privatisation". Case due in court v soon I gather. https://t.co/9jkd4chBlX
— Samira Ahmed (@SamiraAhmedUK) March 14, 2018
