Frank Drake
Radio astronomer and astrophysicist
Radio astronomer and astrophysicist
1930
96 years ago
Scientists & Innovators
United States
A radio astronomer and astrophysicist contributed extensively to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Developed the Drake Equation, a formula estimating the number of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy. Initiated the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) program, which employed radio telescopes to search for signals from potentially habitable planets. Worked on the Mariner 2 spacecraft mission to Venus, providing valuable data on solar radiation.
Developed the Drake Equation
Initiated the SETI program
Contributed to Mariner 2 mission
Played as a forward primarily for Heerenveen in the Netherlands. Contributed significantly to Dutch football from the late 1940s to the early 1960s. Competed in the 1954 FIFA World Cup. Also represented the Dutch national team, earning recognition for exceptional skill and sportsmanship. Post-retirement, became involved in football administration and coaching, influencing the next generation of players.
Continue ReadingA cricketer played for the South African national team from 1938 to 1955. His career included participation in the inaugural Test series against England post-World War II. Notable for his role as a fast bowler, achieved remarkable success in domestic cricket prior to international appearances. Contributed significantly to the game during a challenging era in South African sports history.
Continue ReadingBorn in 1902, a pioneering American geneticist. Developed the theory of transposable elements and conducted extensive research on corn genetics. This work contributed to the understanding of genetic regulation and the mechanisms of inheritance. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1983 for discoveries related to mobile genetic elements, marking a significant milestone in genetics research.
Continue ReadingAchieved fame as a decathlete, winning two Olympic gold medals at the 1948 and 1952 Games. Transitioned to acting with a prominent role in the film "The Glenn Miller Story" and made several television appearances. Served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing California's 18th district. In addition to sports and politics, contributed to youth education and recreational programs after retirement.
Continue ReadingServed as the first Premier of Western Australia from 1890 to 1901, significantly contributing to the establishment of the state's governance. Played a crucial role in initiating the construction of the Great Northern Railway and promoted the development of the agricultural sector. Also engaged in military service during the Second Boer War as a commander. Represented the state in the Australian Senate from 1901 to 1910, influencing national policies.
Continue ReadingPlayed Australian rules football primarily for Essendon Football Club from 1934 to 1951. Served as the club's captain and later became a coach, leading the team to significant success. Accumulated a total of 317 games, earning recognition as a two-time Brownlow Medal winner. Coached Essendon from 1966 to 1970, contributing to the strategies and development of players in the league.
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