Cosmologist Stephen Hawking changed our view of the universe with his remarkable theories and outreach. He also inspired generations around the world, making some of the most complicated physics of our time accessible to the masses.
He also suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosisor, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which gradually paralyzed him over the decades. Despite this crippling disease, Hawking produced ground-breaking theories on black holes and other celestial phenomena.
In this image, Dr. Hawking delivers a speech entitled “Why We Should Go Into Space” during a lecture that was part of a series honoring NASA’s 50th Anniversary, Monday, April 21, 2008. He was joined on stage by his daughter Lucy.
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Image Credit: NASA/Paul Alers