Hawking's Universe

Author: David Fairin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-03-01
Features: This book is a rare popular science read about the history and forefront of modern physics and astronomy. It introduces step by step, in plain language, Hawking's understanding of the universe and humanity's place in it. The author's style is profound yet accessible, using storytelling to present the emergence, development, and current research frontiers of modern physics and astronomy. The language is simple and vivid, making it engaging for readers with high school education to explore the process and principles of modern scientific development through stories, and to enter the forefront of today's physics and cosmology, consciously choosing science over superstition. Stephen Hawking, a renowned theoretical physicist and cosmologist, was born on January 8, 1942, in Oxford, England, which coincidentally marked the 300th anniversary of Galileo's death. At the age of 8, due to his father's work, the family moved to a small town 20 kilometers north of London, Elsternwick, where he completed his secondary education. He then enrolled at Oxford University to study physics. Later, under the guidance of Dennis Sciama, he earned a PhD from Cambridge University. In 1974, he became the youngest Fellow of the Royal College. In 1979, he succeeded as the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University (a title symbolizing supreme academic status; mathematician Isaac Barrow was the first holder, his disciple Newton succeeded him as the second, and Hawking became the 17th). His understanding of the recession of galaxies led scientists to develop a theory about the birth of the universe—the Big Bang theory. From this theory, Stephen Hawking and other physicists faced challenges in addressing fundamental questions about the universe, such as "What is the nature of the universe?" The Universe of Hawking unfolds their work and provides clear explanations for phenomena that have sparked immense curiosity. The book also introduces step by step, in plain language, Hawking's understanding of the universe and humanity's place in it. Since cosmologists discovered that extragalactic galaxies are receding from each other at extraordinary speeds, interest in cosmic questions has reached unprecedented levels. Reading The Universe of Hawking is like embarking on a journey of discovering a series of scientific conclusions that areing to the soul. We will be shown how matter arises from the so-called "nothing," and why we and everything around us are here.