Stephen Hawking Tells One Direction Fans to Brush Up on Theoretical Physics

Fans distraught at the news that Zayn Malik has left boy band One Direction have been reassured by the most famous scientist alive, Stephen Hawking, that he may be still them in an alternate universe.

Professor Hawking appeared via hologram at the Sydney Opera House last Saturday to provide heartbroken fans with the comforting message that theoretical physics may hold the key to reuniting Malik with his bandmates. “One day there may well be proof of multiple universes… and in that universe, Zayn is still in One Direction,” he said.

The physicist was speaking from Cambridge University and was responding to a question about how Malik’s departure would affect the cosmos.

What is Theoretical Physics?

Theoretical physics is a branch of the science which relies upon mathematics and abstract theories to rationalise and explain mysteries of the universe. It is in direct contrast to experimental physics, which attempts to prove its theories through repeated experimentation and probing.

One of the earliest known theoretical physicists was Sir Isaac Newton, although in his own time he was known as a “natural philosopher,” not a theoretical scientist. Newton’s Laws of Motion were derived from mathematical models based upon observed phenomena. Another famous theoretician was Albert Einstein, whose famous formula E=mc2 is a perfect example of theoretical physics.

More recent examples of theoretical physics would be the speculation of the existence of the Higgs-Boson, otherwise known as “God’s particle”. In fact, this particle was proven to exist in July 2012 through the use of the Large Hadron Collider machine in Switzerland.

The machine had lain dormant for two years, but was restarted earlier this month in a bid to unravel another theoretical physics mystery: dark matter. The article Why is CERN's Large Hadron Collider Running Again? talks in more depth about exactly what the scientists at CERN hope to learn and how long they can expect to wait for their answers.

Malik in a Parallel Universe

Professor Hawking’s words were intended as a light-hearted tonic for all the heartbroken young girls who were dismayed at the news of Malik’s exit from the band, but he also had weightier words to say.

“We have come to expect a steady increase in standard of living that science and technology have brought. But people distrust science because they don’t understand it or feel they can control it,” he explained, calling for a need for people to get to grips with certain scientific principles. Understanding the science behind such concepts as genetic engineering, nuclear energy and climate change would equip people with the information needed to make more responsible decisions on the subjects.