This article discusses how Stephen Hawking’s dissertation influenced modern cosmology. You will also discover some of the groundbreaking concepts discussed in this dissertation.
magine working on a thesis so remarkable that it crashed the websites almost immediately after getting published. Yes, we are talking about Stephen Hawking’s Dissertation, “Properties of an Expanding Universe.” According to Smithson Magazine, Stephen Hawking’s dissertation racked up 60,000 downloads in less than a day after going public. Stephen William Hawking was an English theoretical cosmologist, astrophysicist, and author who inspired millions of young minds.
At the age of 21, he was diagnosed with motor neuron disease that progressed with time, leaving his body paralysed (except for two fingers). Still, his supervisor, Denis William Sciama, advised him to focus on his studies and to cope with depression. From 1966 to 1975, Hawking proposed theories like the Big Bang and the creation of the universe.
However, this dissertation is quite complex and dense. That is why this article aims to disclose the groundbreaking concepts in Stephen Hawking’s dissertation that shook the modern world.
Quick Snapshot
- Stephen Hawking dissertation is so influential that it crashed the internet after the first day of launch
- In this dissertation, Hawking challenges some of the pre-existing theories about time and space
- There’s a limit point at which the general relativity theory of Einstein breaks down
- This dissertation shows that the universe has a specific beginning point
- Moreover, it demonstrates how the universe is not steady and does not look the same from everywhere
Comprehensive Abstract of Stephen Hawking’s Dissertation, “Properties of the Expanding Universe”
The table below presents an overview of Stephen Hawking dissertation, with the approval of Carol Johnson, Head of the dissertation writing service department at The Academic Papers UK, Properties of Expanding Universe:
| Physical location | Cambridge University Library |
| Subject(s) | Cosmology |
| Date of creation | 1966 |
| Language(s) | English |
| Format | Book |
| Pages | 134 |
Stephen Hawking dissertation elucidates the global structure of expanding cosmological solutions. It focuses on investigations of theories such as Einstein’s field equations in General Relativity. Moreover, it operates within a mathematical framework rather than observational astronomy.
What Was Stephen Hawking Dissertation About?
This dissertation challenges preexisting theories of modern scientists with mathematical evidence and critical thinking skills. To summarise:
- Issac Newton said gravity is the pull between two objects
- Moving on, Einstein stated that gravity is the result of massive objects wrapping space and time around them.
- Later, Hawking applied the mathematics of general relativity to models of cosmology (the birth of our universe).
Moreover, this idea and theory of Stephen Hawking introduced a “cosmological constant.” This aimed to call the universe static. However, it was later known as the “Greatest Blunder”.
Significance of Stephen Hawking’s Dissertation
Stephen Hawking’s dissertation supported the Big Bang theory and weakened the alternative steady-state model. In addition, it stated that, under general relativity, the expanding universe began as a singularity with infinite density.
6 Groundbreaking Concepts in Stephen Hawking’s Dissertation
This dissertation indeed challenges the greatest scientists and their theories. Many find it courageous and surprising to think to this extent. The groundbreaking concepts that make Stephen Hawking dissertation intellectual and game-changing are given here:
1. Challenging Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity
In this part of Stephen Hawking dissertation, he challenges the existing theory of the greatest Albert Einstein. The table below demonstrates the overview of this concept:
| Assumption | General Relativity describes gravity in an expanding universe. |
| Aims and Objectives | Studying what the Einstein equation can predict for an expanding universe |
| Hypothesis | Path in space and time can meet if the gravity attracts |
| Findings | General relativity has a breakdown point |
| Result | The universe began at a very tiny point |
With the General Theory of Relativity, Albert Einstein revolutionised our understanding of gravity in the 20th century. This theory states that gravity is a curvature of spacetime that is caused by the presence of energy or mass. Spacetime refers to a framework that combines one-dimensional time and three-dimensional space.
However, Stephen Hawking dissertation does not dispute Einstein’s theory of relativity; rather, it sought to identify its limits. Hawking bridges the large gap between Einstein’s gravity and quantum mechanics. Those students who explore such complex topics can benefit from professional dissertation writing services. Experts provide the guidance and structure needed to analyse these theories and present findings clearly.
Why is it a Groundbreaking Concept?
Stephen Hawking dissertation challenges this theory in several ways, including:
- Einstein said that gravity is the curvature of space and works well for normal stars and planets.
- Stephen argued that general relativity breaks down in the case of extreme objects such as black holes.
- Stephen Hawking’s dissertation showed that we need to combine quantum mechanics and general relativity.
2. The Steady State
| Assumption | The universe has always existed and looked the same |
| Aims and Objectives | To analyse if the steady state fits with the equation of the expanding universe (by Einstein) |
| Hypothesis | There shouldn’t be a singularity if the universe is truly steady |
| Findings | According to math, an expanding universe cannot avoid a singularity in the past |
| Result | The steady theory does not match General Relativity |
The steady state model demonstrated that the universe has no specific beginning. It’s homogeneous in time. Moreover, it stated that new matter is continuously created, which keeps the universe constant and steady. Yet, Stephen Hawking used a mathematical equation to examine if steady state is applicable under general relativity.
Moreover, it highlights the “creation field” or “C-field” that highlights that matter is continuously created between galaxies and space. However, Stephen Hawking dissertation shows that the C-field has its own set of limitations and problems.
Why is it a Groundbreaking Concept?
Many consider this concept groundbreaking because:
- Hawking mathematically proved that singularities were the expected feature of nature, and the universe had a specific beginning.
- He also demonstrated that under general relativity, the universe cannot remain steady.
- He integrated cosmology and theoretical physics, which helped rule out the steady state theory.
3. The Universe Looks the Same Everywhere
| Assumption | In all directions and space, the universe looks the same (homogenous and isotropic) |
| Aims and Objectives | To analyse whether this assumption can affect the expanding universe |
| Hypothesis | The universe looks the same from everywhere |
| Findings | According to mathematical analysis, past-directed paths lead to a singularity |
| Result | Homogenous do not mean the universe has no beginning |
Stephen Hawking dissertation also challenged the long-held concept that the universe looks the same from everywhere. This means it’s homogeneous (the same everywhere) and isotropic (the same in every direction). This also highlighted the dominant theories, such as eternal inflation and the Multiverse.
He integrated physics and demonstrated that the universe is remarkably smooth and finite. Moreover, he also stated that there are a small range of possible universes. Therefore, Hawking also introduced a no-boundary proposal that stated that the universe has no singular starting point. This can vary across regions due to quantum effects..
Why is it a Groundbreaking Concept?
Hawking addressed the long-held concept of uniformity in the universe. It’s a groundbreaking concept because:
- Stephen Hawking shows tiny variations in the density of quantum fluctuations.
- These fluctuations can grow into new galaxies and cosmic voids.
- He also stated that the universe is not uniform, but is lumpy and irregular
4. Galaxies Can’t Form Small Perturbations
| Assumption | Small changes in density are required for forming galaxies |
| Aims and Objectives | To analyse whether small irregularities can form galaxies |
| Hypothesis | The tiny density differences grow and form galaxies |
| Findings | According to mathematical findings, the small perturbations cannot grow if the universe is too uniform |
| Result | Some irregularities in the early universe formed the galaxies |
As mentioned above, it was assumed that the universe is smooth and has tiny variations in density. Moreover, physics suggested that these tiny fluctuations are not capable of forming new galaxies. Thus, it also raises questions about how galaxies are forming.
Stephen Hawking dissertation shows quantum fluctuations in inflation fields and how they transformed into primordial density variations. This mechanism shows how small perturbations can inflate and grow into galaxies over billions of years.
Why is it a Groundbreaking Concept?
This is a groundbreaking concept in Stephen Hawking dissertation because:
- It solves the long-standing mystery of galaxy formation through quantum fluctuations during inflation.
- Moreover, it shows how small quantum effects can produce large galaxies, highlighting the interconnection of the universe.
- This demonstrates the natural behaviour of the universe’s evolution and structures.
5. The Gravitational Waves Don’t Disappear
| Assumption | Gravity has the power to create ripples (Gravitational waves) that move throughout space |
| Aims and Objectives | To see if gravitational waves can fade in an expanding universe |
| Hypothesis | Gravitational waves can weaken with time in an expanding space |
| Findings | According to the equation, the gravitational waves do not vanish |
| Result | Gravitational waves can carry information from early history |
When massive objects like black holes collide in space, this creates gravitational waves. Moreover, scientists thought that these waves move throughout space without disappearing. In short, the gravitational wave never vanishes from space. However, Stephen Hawking’s dissertation challenged this as he showed black holes are not completely black.
They emit radiation due to quantum effects and fade with time. Thus, this is commonly known as Hawking Radiation. Subsequently, if the Hawking radiation can fade, so can the gravitational waves. In short, Hawking showed that in the quantum universe, the gravitational waves are not eternal.
Why is it a Groundbreaking Concept?
This concept challenges classical physics. It’s known as a groundbreaking concept in Stephen Hawking dissertation because:
- By demonstrating the Hawking Radiation, he showed how quantum mechanics can alter the behaviour of spacetime.
- This research bridges the gap between general relativity and quantum mechanics.
- This concept also reframes black hole physics and shows that gravitational waves are not permanent.
6. The Singularity Theorem (The Bombshell)
| Assumption | If energy is positive and gravity always pulls, then the space and time paths cannot go back forever |
| Aims and Objectives | To analyse whether the expanding universe actually had a beginning |
| Hypothesis | Under normal conditions, an expanding universe must end at a singular point in the past |
| Findings | According to Hawking, the past-directed paths are incomplete |
| Result | The universe emanates from a singularity, a tiny dense point known as the Big Bang |
This is one of the famous concepts in Stephen Hawking dissertation that actually made him famous and launched his career. A very small and dense point is known as a singularity, where space and time cease to exist. However, Stephen Hawking built upon the work of physicist Roger Penrose, who demonstrated the existence of singularities inside black holes.
Moving on, he applied this concept to the entire universe and demonstrated that the universe must have begun with a singularity, which is also known as the Big Bang. This was also famous as “Bombshell” because it showed that the universe had a specific beginning.
According to the Institute of Physics, Alexander Friedmann estimated in 1922 that the age of the universe was 10 billion years. However, in 2012, it was estimated to be 13.82 billion years.
Why is it a Groundbreaking Concept?
The Bombshell is the groundbreaking concept in Stephen Hawking dissertation because:
- It reveals the universe began at a singularity and had a specific beginning point
- General relativity breaks down at a singularity, thus highlighting the need of quantum theory of gravity
- This also showed that singularity is a part of both black holes and the early universe
Conclusion
Stephen Hawking dissertation had a global impact. It was not just a PhD requirement but an intellectual approach that changed the landscape of cosmology. In this dissertation, the young Stephen Hawking questioned the theories of well-known scientists. Moreover, it includes several groundbreaking concepts like Bombshell and galaxy formations, etc.
In addition, Stephen Hawking dissertation introduced Hawking radiation, black holes, and more. This was also known as the first step of Hawking towards his remarkable career. Moreover, he made his thesis accessible to everyone worldwide. The above article comprehensively discusses Stephen Hawking dissertation along with the groundbreaking concepts it covers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stephen Hawking Dissertation
1. Why Is Stephen Hawking Dissertation So Famous?
Stephen Hawking dissertation is widely known for challenging prevailing cosmological theories and providing early evidence for the Big Bang theory. In this, Hawking challenges the Steady State models and shows that the universe is not uniform.
Plus, it also shows where the general relativity theory of Einstein breaks down. In addition, this dissertation makes a global impact in modern cosmology.
2. What Are Some Famous Concepts Discussed in Stephen Hawking
dissertation?
There are several concepts discussed in Stephen Hawking’s dissertation that are known to be groundbreaking. Some of them are:
- Challenging the General Relativity theory of Einstein, which states that the universe has always existed.
- Analysing Steady State theory to see if the universe always looks the same and steady.
- Focusing on the pre-existing theory that from every direction and region, the universe appears the same as before.
- Introducing a Bombshell states that there’s a specific beginning point of the universe.