On the Origin of Time book: Stephen Hawking’s iconic book, “A Brief History of Time,” which sold over 10 million copies worldwide, was apparently written from an incorrect perspective according to him. In 2002, Hawking summoned Thomas Hertog – his esteemed protege – into his office and declared the book flawed, prompting them to embark on a new project together.
Five years after Hawking’s passing, “On the Origin of Time” will be published next month by Cambridge festival lecturer Thomas Hertog who will discuss its origins and themes at Cambridge festival lecture on March 31st.
Hertog contends that Hawking was puzzled as to how the universe could create conditions so ideal for life, such as an exact balance of particle forces and only three dimensions in space.
Their new book attempts to capture their latest thoughts about the cosmos in an accessible form; some cosmologists even speculate that without these specific characteristics, life as we know it may never have emerged in this universe.
Hawking was born on January 8, 1942 in Oxford, England and developed an interest in science from an early age. After studying physics at University College and doing graduate work on cosmology at Trinity College, Cambridge, Hawking was diagnosed with a rare form of motor neuron disease that rendered him wheelchair-bound and unable to speak without the use of a computerized voice synthesizer.
Despite this setback, he persevered in his studies and research until becoming one of the greatest and influential scientists of his generation.
Hawking proposed the theory of Hawking radiation in 1974, suggesting black holes could emit radiation and eventually evaporate. This groundbreaking work cemented Hawking’s place as a leader in theoretical physics; he continued making significant contributions throughout his career.
Additionally, he wrote several popular science books such as “A Brief History of Time,” which helped make complex scientific ideas understandable to a broader audience.
Hawking received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science, including the Albert Einstein Medal, Presidential Medal of Freedom and Copley Medal – the highest honor bestowed upon him by Royal Society members. On March 14, 2018 at 76 years old, he passed away leaving behind a legacy of scientific accomplishment as well as popularizing science among lay audiences.
