On March 14, 2018, at the age of 76, the famous theoretical physicist died, who changed the attitude towards science among millions of people around the world. On Saturday, a service opened, offering to issue a ticket to everyone who wants to attend the Stephen Hawking memorial service. Even travelers from the future are expected. His ashes will be scattered on June 15 in London's Westminster Abbey, on the graves of other giants of science - Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.
The famous cosmologist's three children, Robert, Lucy and Tim, are offering up to 1,000 free tickets through a competitive giveaway system that will go to anyone who wants to attend Hawking's funeral, if they're lucky. Applicants need to provide a date of birth, but keen fans of a man who has dedicated his life to solving the mysteries of the universe have noticed that you can specify any date until December 31, 2038. That is, Hawking's funeral (theoretically) can be attended by people born more than twenty years from that moment.
Of course, there were some good jokes.
"Professor Hawking once threw a party for time travelers to see if anyone would show up if he sent out an invitation after the party," People write. “Nobody came, but it seems wonderful that the memorial site allows people from the future to attend the service. Look for time travelers at the abbey."
Potential applicants - including those from the future - are warned not to apply if they cannot arrange their own transport and obtain a visa. Hawking's family, friends and colleagues are expected to attend the funeral.
Ilya Khel