b. 1935
Igor Dmitriyevich Novikov is a Russian astrophysicist and cosmologist known for foundational contributions to relativistic astrophysics and the physics of black holes. He is best known for the Novikov self-consistency principle, which addresses the logical constraints on closed timelike curves and time travel scenarios. His work spans theoretical cosmology, the thermodynamics of black holes, and the physical plausibility of time travel.
Formulated the Novikov self-consistency principle constraining closed timelike curves
Made foundational contributions to relativistic astrophysics and black hole theory
Co-developed the Oppenheimer-Volkoff-Novikov framework for stellar collapse
Authored influential texts on black holes and the universe bridging physics and philosophy of science
Analyzed the physical and logical preconditions for time travel, arguing against its practical realization