Here are two lesser-known facts about him:

• Despite the severity of his disease, Prof. Hawking can in fact eat normal food. I have seen him enjoy persian food and a black hole shaped cake (pictured) at a dinner. Of course, there is always an entourage accompanying him to ensure he wouldn’t have a medical emergency, but I’m truly glad that he gets to enjoy good food.

• Before his condition developed, he travelled through Iran when he was 20ish. He liked it a lot, and he wishes to go back. This is despite the fact that he was there during a severe earthquake and broke a rib on a bumpy bus ride.