'Black hole' scientist John Wheeler dies aged 96
Tuesday, 15 Apr 2008 11:06
John Wheeler, who named black holes, has died aged 96
John Wheeler, the scientist who gave the phenomenon of 'black holes' its name, has died at the age of 96.
The eminent physician died of pneumonia at his home in New Jersey on Sunday April 13th.
During his career Professor Wheeler made numerous scientific contributions to many of the research advances of the 20th century.
He worked with scientists including Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr and was instrumental in the development of both the atomic and hydrogen bombs.
As the Joseph Henry professor of physics emeritus at Princeton University, Professor Wheeler maintained an office at the university until 2006.
"Johnny Wheeler probed far beyond the frontiers of human knowledge, asking questions that later generations of physicists would take up and solve," said Kip Thorne, the Feynman professor of theoretical physics at the California Institute of Technology and one of Professor Wheeler's best-known students.
US president George Bush said he was "saddened" by the news of Professor Wheeler's death, describing his as "one of America's greatest physicists".
His wife, Janette, died last year and he is survived by three children, eight grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 11 step-great-grandchildren.
Professor Wheeler's family will hold a private burial and there will be a memorial service on May 12th at Princeton University's chapel.