Stephen Hawking has started taking questions from the online community during his first Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything).
The renowned physics professor opened the forum on Monday, introducing himself and saying: “Join me to talk about making the future of technology more human, reddit. AMA!”
But the online forum, which in the past has hosted dignitaries and celebrities ranging from Barack Obama to Madonna, will not be as fast-paced as previous ones.
This one will be in two parts, to account for Prof Hawking’s needs when communicating. First the questions will be gathered, then the professor will answer them at his own pace.
“Professor Hawking will select which ones he feels he can give answers to,” said the AMA moderator
The questions started pouring in as soon as the forum opened.
“Hello Professor! I just have one question for you. Do you think we will eventually pass the barrier of lightspeed or do you think we will remain confined by it?” asked one user.
“What layperson misconception would you most want to be rid of?” was another question.
“What was the one scientific discovery that has absolutely baffled you? Recent or not,” asked somebody.
While the majority of questions were dedicated to scientific topics such as black holes or artificial intelligence, not at all were.
“What are two books you think every person should read?” asked one person.
The 73-year-old Cambridge professor, who has motor neurone disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, communicates through a computer.
This month, Prof Hawking launched a comprehensive search for alien life in the universe.
