Caroline Herschel
German-English astronomer & comet discoverer
An astronomer, contributed significantly to the field of astronomy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Discovered several comets, with the most notable being the comet 35P/Herschel-Rigollet. Collaborated with her brother William Herschel, assisting in the construction of telescopes and making observations. Published catalogues of stars and nebulae, improving the cataloging and classification of celestial objects. Became the first woman to receive a salary as a scientist, recognized for her contributions to the field.
Discovered several comets
Published star and nebula catalogues
First woman to receive a salary as a scientist
Other People Born on March 16th
Napoléon
Prince Imperial of France
Born
March 16th, 1856 169 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1879 146 years ago — 23 years old
Born in 1856, he served as the Prince Imperial of the French Empire. The singular son of Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, he was designated to continue the Bonaparte legacy. He moved to England following the fall of the Second Empire in France. During the Franco-Prussian War, he enlisted in the British Army and later joined the 1st Battalion of the 60th Rifles. He participated in the Zulu War in 1879, where he met his end during the Battle of Isandlwana.
Continue ReadingLouis C. Wyman
American lawyer and U.S. Senator
Born
March 16th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2002 23 years ago — 85 years old
Served as a lawyer and a politician. Held the position of United States Senator from New Hampshire from 1953 to 1961. Also served as the New Hampshire Attorney General prior to entering the Senate. Engaged in various legal and legislative matters during tenure, contributing to state and national governance. Post-political career included involvement in private law practice, offering legal services and expertise.
Continue ReadingJohn Addison
Soldier and film score composer
Born
March 16th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
December 7th, 1998 27 years ago — 78 years old
Served in the British Army during World War II, contributing to several military campaigns. Transitioned to a career in music, composing scores for films and television. Achieved recognition for work in film scores and developed a reputation for blending orchestral and contemporary elements. Notable for collaborations with various filmmakers, particularly in the early television industry.
Continue ReadingTommy Flanagan
American jazz pianist and composer
Born
March 16th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
November 16th, 2001 24 years ago — 71 years old
A prominent jazz pianist and composer, contributed significantly to the jazz genre during the mid to late 20th century. Began professional career in the 1950s and gained recognition for distinctive style and complex improvisation. Collaborated with many notable jazz musicians and performed at prestigious venues around the world. Recorded several albums, showcasing both original compositions and interpretations of jazz standards. Served as an influential figure in the evolution of modern jazz piano.
Continue ReadingChuck Woolery
Game Show Host and Television Personality
Born
March 16th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
November 23rd, 2024 1 years ago — 83 years old
Born in 1941, this American game show host rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a staple of television entertainment. Hosting several game shows, the most notable include 'Wheel of Fortune' and 'Love Connection'. Alongside hosting, this television personality contributed to the development and production of various shows, becoming a recognizable face on American television.
Continue ReadingFred Neil
Folk Singer-Songwriter of 'Everybody's Talkin'
Born
March 16th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
July 7th, 2001 24 years ago — 65 years old
Born in 1936, this American folk singer-songwriter and guitarist gained prominence in the 1960s music scene. The artist's poignant lyrics and unique vocal style resonated with audiences, leading to a successful career in music. 'Everybody's Talkin'' became a significant hit after being featured in the film 'Midnight Cowboy', contributing to its enduring legacy. The musician's contributions to folk music have influenced many artists while remaining a respected figure within the genre. Later in life, the artist shifted focus towards marine life, advocating for the conservation of dolphins and other sea creatures.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 9th
Makinti Napanangka
Australian painter of Aboriginal art
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
January 9th, 2011 14 years ago — 81 years old
An Australian painter specialized in Aboriginal art, contributing significantly to the art movement that highlights Indigenous culture. Paintings featured intricate dot work and vibrant colors, often depicting Dreamtime stories and the natural environment. Participated in numerous exhibitions, gaining recognition on both national and international stages. Her artworks are showcased in various prestigious collections, enhancing the visibility of Indigenous perspectives in contemporary art.
Continue ReadingSpud Chandler
Major League Baseball pitcher and manager
Born
1907 118 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1990 35 years ago — 83 years old
A professional baseball player and manager, Chandler played in Major League Baseball primarily for the New York Yankees from 1947 to 1951. His pitching skills contributed to the Yankees winning three consecutive World Series championships from 1949 to 1951. Following his playing career, he served as a coach and manager in the minor leagues, notably leading teams in the Class A South Atlantic League. His career in baseball spanned over two decades, involving both player and coaching positions.
Continue ReadingElmer Symons
South African motorcycle racer
Born
February 14th, 1977 48 years ago
Died
January 9th, 2007 18 years ago — 29 years old
A South African motorcycle racer achieved significant recognition in the sport during the late 20th century. Competed in various championship races, including the prestigious Isle of Man TT. Notable for successes in both domestic and international competitions, with multiple podium finishes and a reputation for skillful racing technique.
Continue ReadingDale T. Mortensen
Economist, Nobel Prize winner in Economics
Born
February 2nd, 1939 86 years ago
Died
January 9th, 2014 11 years ago — 74 years old
An American economist focused on search theory and macroeconomic theory. Contributed to the understanding of how labor market dynamics affect unemployment and job matching. Served on the faculty at Northwestern University, influencing economic thought and research. Received the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2010 for work in labor market analysis and search theory.
Continue ReadingBrigitte Askonas
Immunologist with vaccine research
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
January 9th, 2013 12 years ago — 90 years old
An immunologist and academic made significant contributions to the field of immunology, particularly in vaccine development. Work included research on the immune response and the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases. Collaborated with prominent scientists and institutions on various research projects. Served as a professor and held important academic positions throughout a career spent in both Austria and the United Kingdom.
Continue ReadingVictor Emmanuel II of Italy
King of Italy and first Italian king
Born
March 14th, 1820 205 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1878 147 years ago — 57 years old
Served as King of Sardinia from 1849 and became the first King of Italy in 1861. Played a pivotal role in the unification of Italy, overseeing significant military campaigns and political maneuvers that consolidated various states into a single nation. His reign witnessed the annexation of territories, including Lombardy and the Two Sicilies, ultimately leading to the establishment of Italy as a kingdom. Held the throne until death in 1878, leaving a legacy in the formation of modern Italy.
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