THE man who changed the way we see the universe shared some significant dates with a number of other science greats.

Stephen Hawking died today - on the anniversary of Albert Einstein's birth in 1879 - in a strange coincidence linking the two brilliant minds.

4 Stephen Hawking died on March 14 - defying his prognosis for 52 years Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

In another stunning turn of events he was born on January 8, 1942, on the 300th anniversary of Galileo's death.

The Italian genius made great leaps in mathematics and discovered much more about space - paving the way for wider understanding of the stars.

Professor Hawking joined both these men in furthering our knowledge of the world around us, and following his death aged 76 many commented on the significance of his birth and death days.

March 14 is also celebrated as Pi Day, which honours the ratio of a the circumference of a circle to its diameter, bringing yet another scientific link to the professor's life.

4 The renowned scientist Albert Einstein was born on this day in 1879 Credit: Getty - Contributor

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

4 Professor Hawking studied at Cambridge and made huge leaps in our understanding of the universe, furthering the work of other greats like Galileo and Einstein Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

The English physicist who changed the way we understand the universe, wrote A Brief History of Time and was the subject of Oscar-winning film The Theory of Everything, died peacefully at home in Cambridge in the early hours of this morning.

He was considered a medical marvel, having lived for more than half a century after being given two years to live when he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 1963.

In a statement, his children Lucy, Robert and Tim said: "We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today.

4 Mathematics genius Galileo died on January 8th 1642 - 300 years to the day before Stephen Hawking was born Credit: Getty - Contributor

"He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years.

"His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world.

"He once said, 'It would not be much of a universe if it wasn't home to the people you love.' We will miss him forever."

Stephen Hawking explains how we could potentially reach Mars within an hour after predicting the planet will be a ‘sizzling fire ball’ by 2600

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Tributes have poured in from some of the greatest minds in modern science.

Canadian space explorer, Chris Hadfield, posted on Twitter: "Genius is so fine and rare. Goodbye Professor Hawking. You inspired and taught us all."

Professor Brian Cox also paid tribute to the genius, writing: "Sad to hear about Stephen Hawking. What a remarkable life."

A Brief History of Time - published in 1988 - made him a household name, explaining complex scientific theories to the masses.

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