British physicist Stephen W. Hawking, whose theory of black holes altered the course of modern scientific thought, and whose ability to convey abstract concepts of quantum physics to a mass audience made him a popular cultural figure, has died today at the age of 76 in his home at Cambridge. His age at his death was one of the many marvels of a life full of them.

Diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at age 21, Hawking was told that he would live no more than three years. Hawking defied his doctors’ predictions by adding over 51 years to his predicted lifespan.

During this time, Hawking not only made new discoveries in his field, but also exposed these ideas to an audience far beyond academic circles. He did so while disease continued to debilitate his body.

Cuban revolutionary and politician Fidel Castro died yesterday at the age of 90. His brother Raúl Castro, his successor as Cuban president, announced his death on Cuban state television. Castro had made few public appearances in recent years, and in the rare photos meted out by the government during that time, he often looked to be in poor health, despite attempts to make it seem otherwise. Reactions to Castro’s passing are certain to be mixed, as the legacy he leaves behind him is one marked by contradictions and controversy.