Twitter Tributes to Professor Stephen Hawking

On the morning of 14 March 2018, the acclaimed theoretical physicist Professor Stephen Hawking died peacefully in his Cambridge home. He was 76, but remarkably he was given only two years to live when he was diagnosed with a rare form of motor neurone disease at the age of 22.

During these years, despite a deteriorating condition, he became one of the world's best-known science communicators, and helped unravel the mysteries of black holes and the Big Bang.

His contribution to science, as well the impact he made highlighting living with disabilities, has been an inspiration to many across the world.

His children, Lucy, Robert and Tim, released a statement saying "We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today. He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years."

Theirs was not the only tribute to the man, they have been flooding in on Twitter too. Here are some of the heartfelt messages left by those who worked with, influenced by and admired one of the greatest modern scientists:

Follow Science Focus on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Flipboard