What did Hawking mainly study in his life?

His main research fields are cosmology and black holes. The singularity theorem and black hole area theorem of general relativity are proved, the black hole evaporation theory and the borderless Hawking universe model are put forward, and an important step is taken to unify the two basic theories of physics in the 20th century-relativity founded by Einstein and quantum mechanics founded by Planck.

First of all, singularity theory

Hawking and Penrose proved the famous singularity theorem together! Singularity theorem means that before the formation of the present universe, space-time was highly distorted and the radius of curvature was very small. That is, if we go back to the birth of the universe in reverse time, all matter will converge to a point, which is called singularity.

Second, the black hole area theorem

Hawking has studied that the area of black holes will only increase with time, not decrease.

Third, the black hole evaporation theory.

1974, Stephen Hawking discovered the evaporation phenomenon of black holes, which changed the classic image of black holes: black holes are not completely "black" and not just "holes". They can not only increase the mass by accumulating substances, but also emit substances outward, thus reducing the mass.

Extended data

work

1, 1973

Large-scale structure of time and space; ?

2. 1988?

A brief history of time.

3. 1993

Black holes and baby universes and other papers.

4. Year 200 1

A concise universe.

5.2002

Standing on the shoulders of giants. A masterpiece of physics and astronomy.