Life and Thoughts of The One Ocean

Hawking: 'Humans must leave earth'

Stephen Hawking says humans will need to leave Earth and live in space to ensure the survival of the species.

The physicist said scientists had to find a way to send spaceships to colonise suitable planets orbiting other stars.

Professor Hawking also revealed he wants to journey into space himself - and asked Sir Richard Branson for help.

He told the BBC scientists may be within 20 years of reaching his prediction that we would one day "know the mind of God" by understanding all the laws which govern the universe.

Prof Hawking said matter/antimatter annihilation - similar to time warps - would enable huge distances to be covered quickly.

He said: "The long-term survival of the human race is at risk as long as it is confined to a single planet.

"Sooner or later, disasters such as an asteroid collision or nuclear war could wipe us all out. But once we spread out into space and establish independent colonies, our future should be safe."

And he added: "My next goal is to go into space. Maybe Richard Branson will help me."

Prof Hawking, 64, was speaking before receiving the UK's top science award, the Royal Society's Copley Medal.

posted by The One Ocean @ 12/08/2006 07:27:00 PM