Today in History: Galileo Galilei died, Stephen Hawking born

JANUARY 8 is an auspicious date, since two fascinating events occurred today.

1642: Galileo Galilei died

Galileo Galilei, a polymath who specialised in astronomy and physics, was one of the greatest scientists in the history of science.

He has been called the father of modern physics, astronomy, and science itself, and his work in physics, astronomy, and the methodology of science still evokes debate after more than 400 years.

He studied gravity, speed, inertia, relativity, and his contributions to astronomy include observing Jupiter’s four moons and the Rings of Saturn.

The greatest scientist ever lost his breath on January 8, 1642, at the age of 77 due to fever and heart palpitations.

1942: Stephen Hawking was born

Regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists in the history of science, Stephen Hawking was born on January 8, 1942, in Oxford, England, 300 years to the day after the death of the astronomer Galileo Galilei.

While steeping against his father’s will to focus on medicine, Stephen studied physics and revolutionised the field with his work on the origins and structure of the universe, from the Big Bang to black holes.

Additionally, his best-selling books have appealed to readers who may not have Hawking’s scientific background.

Hawking took his last breath on March 14, 2018, at the age of 76 on the 139th anniversary of Albert Einstein’s birth.