Stephen Hawking's ashes will be interred at London's Westminster Abbey near the graves of Isaac Newton and other greats like Charles Darwin, though some might think they should be scattered among the stars where many of his thoughts dwelt.

A spokesman for the abbey said Tuesday the ashes of the celebrated physicist will be placed there later this year at a thanksgiving service.

The Dean of Westminster Rev. John Hall said it was "entirely fitting" that Hawking's remains will be placed in the abbey "near those of distinguished fellow scientists."

He said Newton was buried in the abbey in 1727 and Darwin was buried there in 1882.

Hawking, who died last week at the age of 76, was one of the world's most accomplished physicists despite suffering the effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

• Stephen Hawking's Robot Warning Goes Viral After Death
• Pi Day, Stephen Hawking Death, Einstein Birthday All Converge
• Stephen Hawking Deathbed Prediction: How World Will End