Hoyle, Sir Fred

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Hoyle, Sir Fred (1915-2001), English astronomer and mathematician, who was one of the first to apply relativity equations and modern physics to cosmology, born in Bingley, Yorkshire. He graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1939 and was elected a fellow of its St. John's College. In the field of astrophysics, Hoyle is noted for his computations of the ages and temperatures of stars, the prediction of the existence of quasi-stellar objects that were later found, and his major contributions to the theory that the heavier elements evolved in succession from hydrogen. He was knighted in 1972. A prolific writer, Hoyle has published many popular books on astronomy and works of science fiction.

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