Friedrich Bessel
Astronomer celebrated for stellar parallax.
Born
Died
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
Germany
Links & References
Contributed significantly to the fields of astronomy and mathematics. Developed methods for measuring stellar parallax, providing evidence for the heliocentric model and establishing the first accurate metric system of astronomy. Worked on the precise measurement of star positions and created Bessel functions, aiding potential solutions in physical problems. The first person to successfully identify the distance to a star beyond the solar system.
Measured the parallax of 61 Cygni
Developed Bessel functions
Created accurate astronomical star catalogs
Other People Born on July 22nd
Jason Robertson
Ice hockey player for the Dallas Stars
Born
July 22nd, 1999 26 years ago
Born in 1999, this ice hockey player emerged as a prominent forward in the NHL. He began his career with the Dallas Stars, showcasing remarkable scoring abilities. The player quickly developed a reputation for his offensive skills and work ethic on the ice. In the 2021-2022 NHL season, he achieved a significant milestone by scoring over 40 goals, becoming one of the league's top scorers. This performance contributed to the Stars' playoff campaigns, demonstrating talent in critical match situations. In addition to individual accolades, the player represented the United States in international competitions, further establishing his presence in the sport.
Continue ReadingCosmo Duff-Gordon
Scottish fencer, Olympic medalist
Born
July 22nd, 1862 163 years ago
Died
1931 94 years ago — 69 years old
Born in 1862, a prominent Scottish fencer achieved notable success in the sport. Competed at the 1908 London Olympics, securing a gold medal in the men's team foil event. A member of the Edinburgh fencing club, he contributed to the sport's development in Scotland and the broader United Kingdom. Actively participated in national championships and various international competitions, earning recognition as one of the leading fencers of his time.
Continue ReadingFederico Valverde
Uruguayan footballer; Real Madrid midfielder
Born
July 22nd, 1998 27 years ago
Born in Uruguay, a professional footballer plays as a midfielder for Real Madrid. He began his career with Peñarol before moving to Europe. Gained recognition for playing a vital role in Real Madrid's successes in various competitions, particularly during the UEFA Champions League and La Liga. Demonstrated versatility on the pitch, contributing both defensively and offensively. Also represented the Uruguayan national team in international competitions.
Continue ReadingAlec Hearne
English cricketer with Test matches
Born
July 22nd, 1863 162 years ago
Died
1952 73 years ago — 89 years old
Debuted in Test cricket for England in 1896. Played in 12 Test matches until 1900. Excelled as a right-handed batsman and medium pace bowler. Represented Kent County Cricket Club in domestic cricket. Contributed significantly to the team's success during his tenure.
Continue ReadingMarc Cucurella
Footballer with notable La Liga career
Born
July 22nd, 1998 27 years ago
A professional footballer, primarily played as a left-back. Began career with Barcelona’s youth team before making his senior debut. Gained recognition during a spell at Eibar, contributing significantly in La Liga matches. Transferred to Getafe, achieving further accolades. In 2021, moved to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, where performances solidified reputation. Later, joined Chelsea, continuing to play in top-tier football, participating in domestic league and European competitions.
Continue ReadingZhu Youyuan
Ming Dynasty politician and official
Born
July 22nd, 1476 549 years ago
Died
1519 506 years ago — 43 years old
Born in 1476, a prominent politician during the Ming Dynasty, held various official posts within the government. Played a significant role in the administration and policy-making processes of the era, contributing to the stability and governance of the empire. His tenure included oversight of taxation and infrastructure improvements, facilitating agricultural development. Engaged in diplomatic relations and internal affairs that helped define governmental operations during his time.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 17th
Ashikaga Yoshikazu
Japanese shōgun during the Muromachi period
Born
August 27th, 1407 618 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1425 600 years ago — 17 years old
Served as the sixth shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate from 1423 until 1425. His tenure was marked by a continuation of the political instability that affected the region. Yoshikazu attempted to manage conflicts between rival factions and uphold the authority of the shogunate. His reign ended with his death in 1425, which led to further power struggles within the Ashikaga clan and the weakening of shogunal authority in subsequent years.
Continue ReadingMai Zetterling
Actress and director of 'The Girls' (1968)
Born
May 24th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1994 31 years ago — 68 years old
This actress and director was prominent in Swedish and English cinema. She gained recognition for her performances in a range of films and television series from the 1940s through the 1980s. Significant works include the film 'The Girls' released in 1968, which she directed, showcasing her dual talent as both an actress and a filmmaker. Throughout her career, she collaborated with notable directors and contributed to the artistic landscape of cinema in both Sweden and the UK. Zetterling appeared in several films, establishing a legacy within the film industry before her passing in 1994.
Continue ReadingJohn Backus
Computer Scientist, Designed Fortran
Born
1924 101 years ago
Died
March 17th, 2007 18 years ago — 83 years old
A mathematician and computer scientist contributed significantly to computer programming. Developed Fortran, the first high-level programming language, which was widely adopted for scientific and engineering applications. Led a team at IBM that created the language, revolutionizing how developers wrote code. Worked on various other projects including functional programming concepts, impacting the evolution of programming languages.
Continue ReadingGrace Stafford
American actress and voice performer
Born
1903 122 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1992 33 years ago — 89 years old
An American actress gained recognition for contributions to film and television during the mid-20th century. Often lent voice to various characters, particularly known for voicing the character of Woody Woodpecker in animated series and films. In addition to voice work, appeared in several live-action roles throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Continued to influence animation and voice acting, providing a distinctive and memorable sound that resonated with audiences. Work included collaborations with multiple studios, showcasing versatility in performance styles.
Continue ReadingSophia Albertina
Princess-Abbess of Quedlinburg
Born
1753 272 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1829 196 years ago — 76 years old
Served as the Princess-Abbess of Quedlinburg from 1779 until death in 1829. Oversaw the administration and religious life of the Quedlinburg Abbey, which was a significant institution in the Holy Roman Empire. Played a vital role in maintaining the autonomy and cultural significance of the abbey during her tenure. Engaged in charitable works and patronage of the arts, supporting various projects within the community.
Continue ReadingShenouda III
Pope of Alexandria
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
March 17th, 2012 13 years ago — 89 years old
Served as the 117th Pope of Alexandria from 1971 until 2012. Managed the Coptic Orthodox Church during a time of significant social and political change in Egypt. Focused on religious education, moral teachings, and intercultural dialogue. Advocated for the rights of the Coptic community and addressed issues related to Christian-Muslim relations. Contributed to numerous religious publications and established the Coptic Museum in Cairo.
Continue Reading