Hawking's death, Einstein's birth, and Pi Day: what does it all mean?

In this file photo taken on Sept. 19, 2013, theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking poses for a picture ahead of a gala screening of the documentary "Hawking," a film about the scientist's life. (Photo: Andrew Cowie, AFP/Getty Images)

So, is there some mystical theory explaining how noted astrophysicist Stephen Hawking died on the same day Albert Einstein was born, which also happens to be the day we honor the mathematical constant Pi?

Nope. It's just all one giant coincidence.

Hawking died at 76, his family confirmed early Wednesday. He was considered one of the world's foremost theoretical physicists, developing critical theories on black holes and writing A Brief History of Time to explain complex scientific concepts to the masses.

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Hawking's birth and passing align with the most important names in science. He was born on January 8, 1942, the 300th anniversary of the death of famed astronomer Galileo.

Hawking passed on March 14, the same day fellow theoretical physicist Albert Einstein was born.

Of course, this caught the attention of social media:

Stephen Hawking was born January 8, 1942, on the 300th anniversary of Galileo's death. He died today, March 14th, on the anniversary of Einstein's birth. Time is circular - no beginning, no end. — Warren Leight (@warrenleightTV) March 14, 2018

Stephen Hawking died on Einstein's birthday, and was born on the 300th anniversary of the death of Galileo.



3 giants of modern cosmology.

How symbolic. — 𝕓𝕣𝕠𝕜𝕖𝕝𝕪𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕖 (@nuffsaidNY) March 14, 2018

Stephen Hawking was born on the 300th death anniversary of Galileo Galilei, and died on the 139th birth anniversary of Albert Einstein.



Gravity is indeed deterministic. #StephenHawking — Yaswanth (@Yaswanth_Nunna) March 14, 2018

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.

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