Georges Lemaître
Astronomer and creator of the Big Bang theory
A Belgian priest and scientist contributed foundational concepts to modern cosmology. Lemaître proposed the hypothesis of the expanding universe, which later became known as the Big Bang theory. In 1927, published a groundbreaking paper outlining the relation between the distance of galaxies and the redshift observed in their light. This work laid the groundwork for much of contemporary cosmological thought. Prior to this, contributed to the field of mathematics and physics, developing significant theories that influenced various areas of science. Lemaître's religious background provided a unique perspective on the intersection of science and faith.
Proposed the Big Bang theory
Published work on the expanding universe
Other People Born on July 17th
Queen Consort of the United Kingdom
Queen Consort during Charles III reign
Born
July 17th, 1947 78 years ago
Born in 1947, served as a member of the British royal family. Married Charles, Prince of Wales, in 2005 and became Queen Consort upon his ascension to the throne in 2022. Engaged in numerous charitable activities, supporting initiatives related to health, literacy, and animal welfare. Advocated for various social causes, often working alongside charitable organizations. Participated in official state duties, including national ceremonies and events.
Continue ReadingPatrick Smith
Irish politician and agriculture minister
Born
July 17th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
March 18th, 1982 43 years ago — 80 years old
Served as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Ireland. Engaged in agricultural policy and legislation during a pivotal time for the farming community. Played a significant role in addressing the needs of Irish farmers, focusing on food production and sustainability. Contributed to various initiatives that impacted the agricultural landscape of Ireland. His tenure included efforts aimed at enhancing the agricultural sector and supporting local farmers.
Continue ReadingPierre Louis Maupertuis
Mathematician and philosopher
Born
July 17th, 1698 327 years ago
Died
July 27th, 1759 266 years ago — 61 years old
A mathematician and philosopher, contributions included work in mathematics, physics, and biology. Maupertuis played a key role in the development of the principle of least action, which became significant in physics. His expeditions in the 18th century sought to determine the shape of the Earth by measuring meridian arcs in Lapland and Peru. He engaged with the philosophical discussions of his time, notably in relation to determinism and the laws of nature. His writings included reflections on the nature of society and aesthetics.
Continue ReadingGordon Gould
Physicist and laser inventor
Born
July 17th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
September 16th, 2005 20 years ago — 85 years old
An American physicist and academic, contributed to the field of optics and photonics. Invented the laser in the 1950s and coined the term 'laser', standing for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Although the invention faced patent disputes, secured a patent in 1977 after several legal battles. Served as a professor and held various academic positions throughout his career.
Continue ReadingLucie Arnaz
American actress and singer from 'Here’s Lucy'
Born
July 17th, 1951 74 years ago
Born in 1951, Lucie Arnaz gained recognition as an actress and singer. Arnaz starred in the television series 'Here's Lucy' alongside her mother, Lucille Ball. She continued to perform in various stage productions and musicals, showcasing her talents in both acting and singing. Arnaz's work extended to directing and producing, contributing to various projects throughout her career.
Continue ReadingWojciech Kilar
Polish composer of film scores
Born
July 17th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
December 29th, 2013 12 years ago — 81 years old
A prominent pianist and composer, significant contributions included creating scores for films and classical music works. Kilar gained international recognition through collaborations with directors such as Roman Polanski and Francis Ford Coppola. The score for 'The Pianist' won widespread acclaim and strengthened his reputation in film music. Additionally, Kilar's concert works, including symphonies and chamber music, showcased his versatility and deep understanding of musical form. His legacy encompasses both his film compositions and concert music, reflecting a career dedicated to artistic pursuits.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on June 20th
Feodor II of Russia
Tsar of Russia and son of Ivan IV
Born
1589 437 years ago
Died
June 20th, 1605 420 years ago — 16 years old
Ascended to the throne in 1605 following the death of his father, Ivan IV. His reign lasted a short period due to political instability. Faced internal conflict and opposition from rival factions during a turbulent time in Russian history. Died under uncertain circumstances within the same year of his ascension, marking the end of the Rurik dynasty.
Continue ReadingEmil Cioran
Philosopher and author of 'On the Heights of Despair'
Born
April 8th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
June 20th, 1995 30 years ago — 84 years old
Emil Cioran was a Romanian-French philosopher and essayist. Born in Romania, he later moved to France, where he wrote extensively in French. Cioran's philosophical work delved into themes of despair, existentialism, and the human condition. He published several influential works, often reflecting on the absurdity of life and the inevitability of suffering. His writing style combined poetic language with philosophical inquiry, capturing the complexities of human emotions. Cioran's thoughts continue to resonate in various fields of philosophy and literature.
Continue ReadingLeRoy Neiman
Painter with iconic sports artwork
Born
June 8th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
June 20th, 2012 13 years ago — 91 years old
An American painter and printmaker, primarily recognized for vibrant and energetic depictions of sporting events and athletes. Specialized in creating large-scale paintings, Neiman captured the intensity and excitement of sports such as boxing, golf, and the Olympic Games. His distinct style featured bold colors and dynamic brush strokes, which made his works easily identifiable. Neiman also contributed illustrations to various publications and produced work for television broadcasts. His art was featured in major exhibitions and received widespread attention, helping to elevate sports imagery in the art world.
Continue ReadingTinus Osendarp
Dutch sprinter and police officer
Born
May 21st, 1916 109 years ago
Died
June 20th, 2002 23 years ago — 86 years old
A sprinting athlete represented the Netherlands in track and field events. Competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin, participating in the 100 meters and 4x100 meters relay. Achieved recognition in national competitions and contributed to law enforcement as a police officer after retiring from athletics, balancing sports and public service.
Continue ReadingMark Robson
Film director and producer of'Home of the Brave'
Born
December 4th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
June 20th, 1978 47 years ago — 64 years old
A Canadian-American director and producer, made significant contributions to the film industry. Transitioned from working as an editor to directing, initially focusing on documentaries before delving into feature films. Gained recognition for directing ‘Home of the Brave’ in 1949, a notable anti-war film. Worked on various successful projects throughout the 1950s and 1960s, earning a reputation for handling complex narratives and character-driven stories. Collaborated with renowned actors and filmmakers over a prolific career, which included both commercial and critical successes. The work often reflected themes of identity, morality, and the human experience, engaging audiences with its depth and storytelling.
Continue ReadingIngvar Rydell
Swedish footballer and national team player
Born
1922 104 years ago
Died
June 20th, 2013 12 years ago — 91 years old
A professional footballer from Sweden, Rydell played as a forward. He had a significant career at Hammarby IF and participated in international competitions representing the Swedish national team. Rydell's contributions were evident in both domestic leagues and international matches, showcasing skills that contributed to team successes.
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