Fred Hoyle

Fred Hoyle, also known as Sir Fred Hoyle, was a bestselling science fiction novelist, researcher, and theoretical physicist. He was born in Bingley, West Riding of Yorkshire, England in 1915 and passed away in Bournemouth, England in 2001. Hoyle was one of the most distinguished, creative, and controversial scientists of the twentieth century. He was a Fellow of St John’s College (1939-1972, Honorary Fellow 1973-2001), was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1957, held the Plumian Chair of Astronomy and Experimental Philosophy (1958-1972), established the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy in Cambridge (now part of the Institute of Astronomy), and (in 1972) received a knighthood for his services to astronomy.

Hoyle was known for his keen interest in various activities outside of his professional career. He was a keen mountain climber, often going on expeditions in the Alps and the Himalayas. Hoyle was also an avid player of chess, and he even represented his university at the game. In addition to his scientific pursuits and hobbies, Hoyle was a prolific science fiction writer. He wrote several novels, including "The Black Cloud" and "A for Andromeda," which became bestsellers. Hoyle's science fiction writing was notable for its integration of scientific concepts and theories, which he drew from his own research. He was also a populariser of science and used various mediums to communicate scientific ideas to the general public, including books, radio, and television. Hoyle is also credited with coining the phrase 'The Big Bang', which has since become widely used to describe the prevailing cosmological model.