Legendary physicist Stephen Hawking dies at 76

The most famous theoretical physicist of his time has passed away. According to his family, Stephen Hawking died peacefully at his home in Cambridge, England early this morning.

Hawking was known for his extensive work on black holes and relativity. Scientists, politicians and astronauts have been pouring over social media of the loss of a brilliant mind, and a kind heart.

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

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak stated, “Stephen Hawking’s integrity and scientific dedication placed him above pure brilliance”.

Among Hawking’s many accomplishments include:

• his theory that black holes emit radiation- later called Hawking radiation
• his book, “A Brief History of Time” was published in 1988 and sold over 10 million copies
• His proven theory that the Big Bang event started at one incredibly small point
• In the late ’90s was offered knighthood, but years later said he declined due to the lack of government funding for science

A brilliant star: Acclaimed physicist Stephen Hawking has died at the age of 76. He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease aged 21 and given a life expectancy of two years. He confounded this prediction, making  cosmic discoveries for another half a century, in his quest to understand the origin of the universe. He gave this life advice to his children: “One, remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Two, never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it. Three, if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don't throw it away.” From an Interview with Diane Sawyer, for ABC News, June 2010. Credit: PA/Kevin Dietsch #StephenHawking #physics #stars

A post shared by The Economist (@theeconomist) on Mar 14, 2018 at 6:03am PDT

Hawking was 76 years old.