Hawking's Musings II

When Hawking was being introduced by a professor, who is a couple of years younger than him, the professor observed the enthusiasm that Hawking has, even in his sixties. Enthusiasm for science and scientific discoveries. So much so, that Hawking was planning a flight in "Vomit Comet", a zero-gravity experience.

He did it. The jet of Zero Gravity Corp. flew up from Florida to 32000 feet, and then took a parabolic dive of 8000 feet, making its passengers experience 25 seconds of weightlessness.

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?alias=hawking-takes-off-for-tas&chanId=sa003&modsrc=reuters

Must have been fun!


Addendum :

Later, when asked about the prospects of intelligent life beyond Earth, Hawking said he hopes it exists.

"There is not much sign of it on Earth," he said.