October 20, 2006



LONDON --Renowned astrophysicist and best-selling author Stephen Hawking is getting a divorce, according to media reports Friday. British newspapers reported he and his wife, Elaine, have lodged divorce papers at Cambridge County Court.

Graham Jones, the office manager at the court, said he could not comment on family cases.

Hawking's university spokeswoman, Judith Croasdell, declined to comment on the reports.

Hawking has been married to his wife, Elaine, 55, for 11 years. Hawking divorced in 1991 from his first wife, Jane, with whom he has three children.

The mathematics professor at the University of Cambridge has done groundbreaking work on black holes and the origins of the universe, making him one of the best-known theoretical physicists of his generation.

The 64-year-old scientist, author of the best seller "A Brief History of Time," is almost completely paralyzed by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease. He communicates with the help of a voice synthesizer, which was designed by his wife's previous husband.

Boston.com./News/