Unit 9 Against All Odds 现代大学英语课件.ppt

LESSON NINE Against All Odds Michael White and John Gribbin Stephen Hawking - a Life in Science (1992) A nonfiction book byJohn Gribbin This biography pays particular attention to Hawkings scientific achievement, as well as to the tragic progress of his illnesses and his extraordinary will to survive and to continue working despite major progressive handicap. Stephen William Hawking Hawking, Stephen William (1942- ), British theoretical physicist and mathematician whose main field of research has been the beginning of the universe, and a unified theory of physics, the nature of space and time, including irregularities in space and time known as singularities(奇点）. Life experience: born on 8 January 1942 (300 years after the death of Galileo) in Oxford, England...  in 1958 he entered Oxford University. in 1961 he attended a summer course at the Royal Observatory. in 1962 he completed his undergraduate courses and received a bachelor’ s degree in physics. then Hawking enrolled as a research student in general relativity at the department of applied mathematics and theoretical physics at the University of Cambridge. Research proceedings: In the earliest stages, Hawking has been concerned with the concept of singularities breakdowns in space and time（奇性定理）The most familiar example of a singularity is a black hole, (the final form of a collapsed star宇宙大爆炸的奇点 ). During the late 1960s Hawking proved that a singularity must occur at the big bang( the explosion that marked the beginning of the universe and the birth of space-time itself).  Current news: Professor Hawking is currently interested in selling his hot air balloon basket, especially designed by experts for wheelchair access. This very special item is in excellent condition and ready to use Professor Hawking has given many lectures to the general public. Here are the m