Gerhard Herzberg

Chemist and astronomer, Nobel laureate

Gerhard Herzberg - Chemist and astronomer, Nobel laureate
Born

December 25th, 1904
120 years ago

Died

March 3rd, 1999
26 years ago — 94 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

Canada

Links & References

This chemist and astronomer contributed significantly to molecular spectroscopy. Herzberg's research advanced understanding of molecular structure and spectra, leading to the discovery of important molecular ions. Achievements in the field facilitated advancements in both chemistry and astronomy, notably in the analysis of the composition of stars. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1971 for contributions to the study of the structure and motion of molecules.

Won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1971

Pioneered work in molecular spectroscopy

Advanced the study of molecular ions

Other People Born on December 25th

Margaret Stewart

Dauphine of France, marriage alliance
Born
December 25th, 1424 600 years ago
Died
1445 580 years ago — 21 years old

Born in 1424, a significant historical figure and the daughter of James I of Scotland. Became the Dauphine of France through marriage to the future King Louis XI. The union aimed to strengthen ties between Scotland and France during the turbulent period of the Hundred Years' War. This marriage was part of a larger political strategy to solidify alliances and ensure mutual support against England. The couple’s descendants would play a role in the complex lineage of European royalty, influencing subsequent generations and political landscapes.

Continue Reading

Rickey Henderson

Baseball player and coach, stolen base record
Born
December 25th, 1958 66 years ago
Died
December 20th, 2024 0 years ago — 65 years old

This individual excelled as a Major League Baseball outfielder and coach. Playing primarily for the Oakland Athletics, achieved a record 1,406 stolen bases over a 25-year career. Debuted in the MLB in 1979 and contributed to the Athletics' 1989 World Series championship. After retirement, transitioned into coaching roles, influencing new generations of players. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.

Continue Reading

Nellie Fox

Baseball player and coach
Born
December 25th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
December 1st, 1975 49 years ago — 47 years old

Played second base in Major League Baseball, primarily for the Chicago White Sox. Debuted in 1947 and became a ten-time All-Star. Helped lead the White Sox to the American League pennant in 1959, contributing significantly to the team's success. Served as a coach after retirement, teaching the game to younger players.

Continue Reading

Hideki Okajima

Japanese baseball player, Red Sox pitcher
Born
December 25th, 1975 49 years ago

Played professional baseball primarily as a pitcher. Debuted in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Boston Red Sox in 2007. Contributed to the team's success in winning the 2007 World Series. Continued to play in the MLB until 2013, showcasing skills as a left-handed reliever. Also had a significant career in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan before joining the MLB.

Continue Reading

Quentin Crisp

English author and illustrator of 'The Naked Civil Servant'
Born
December 25th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1999 25 years ago — 90 years old

An author and illustrator gained recognition for the autobiographical work 'The Naked Civil Servant', which candidly depicted experiences as a gay man in mid-20th century Britain. The book's publication in 1968 drew considerable attention and was later adapted into a television film in 1975. Crisp's unique style and perspective contributed to the discourse on gender and sexuality in literature. He also published several other works, including 'Miss Crisp' and 'The Age of Consent', showcasing a distinctive voice and narrative approach. Later in life, emigrated to the United States, where continued to write and speak on various topics, influencing discussions on identity and society.

Continue Reading

Demaryius Thomas

American football wide receiver, Super Bowl champion
Born
December 25th, 1987 37 years ago
Died
December 9th, 2021 3 years ago — 33 years old

A wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL), contributed significantly to the success of the Denver Broncos. Recorded a standout career marked by impressive statistics, including over 9,000 receiving yards and 60 touchdowns. Achieved prominence during the 2015 season, playing a key role in the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 victory. Earned recognition for exceptional performances in crucial games and established himself as a reliable target for quarterbacks.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on March 3rd

Roger Bannister

Middle-distance athlete, first sub-4 minute miler
Born
March 23rd, 1929 95 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 2018 7 years ago — 88 years old

An English middle-distance athlete achieved global recognition for running the first official sub-four-minute mile on May 6, 1954, with a time of 3 minutes 59.4 seconds at Iffley Road Track in Oxford. This historic feat marked a significant milestone in athletics. After retiring from competitive running, pursued a career in medicine, becoming a neurologist. Contributed to the medical community through research and teaching.

Continue Reading

Howard W. Hunter

Religious leader, 14th President of the LDS Church
Born
November 14th, 1907 117 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1995 30 years ago — 87 years old

Led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as its 14th President from 1994 until death in 1995. Focused on strengthening the global church community and emphasized the importance of personal revelation and service. Held various leadership roles within the church for decades, including serving as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since 1959. Advocated for education and strong family values throughout ministry. His tenure was marked by efforts to modernize the church's practices and policies while remaining steadfast in core beliefs.

Continue Reading

Jean Barbeyrac

French jurist and legal scholar
Born
1674 351 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1744 281 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent scholar and jurist, this individual contributed significantly to the field of jurisprudence. He served as a professor in the University of Groningen, where his expertise in law influenced many students and scholars. The individual translated and commented on classical texts, particularly works of natural law, making legal principles accessible to a broader audience. This engagement with previous legal thought and the integration of moral philosophy into legal discourse helped shape Enlightenment ideas in law and governance.

Continue Reading

Ernest Braun

Physicist and academic, authored textbooks
Born
1925 100 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 2015 10 years ago — 90 years old

Austrian-English physicist and academic contributed significantly to the fields of physics and education. Focused on the development of various educational materials and textbooks, influencing the dissemination of knowledge in physics. Worked at several academic institutions, where emphasized the importance of practical applications of physics in education. Participated in numerous physics-related discussions, promoting collaborative research and inquiry. Contributed to advancements in physics education and played an important role in shaping curricula.

Continue Reading

Sewall Wright

Biologist and geneticist, 'adaptive landscape'
Born
December 21st, 1889 135 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1988 37 years ago — 98 years old

A prominent American biologist and geneticist, contributed significantly to population genetics. Developed the concept of adaptive landscapes, which conceptualized how populations evolve under natural selection. His work laid foundational principles for understanding genetic drift and inbreeding. Wright's research included studies on the effects of natural selection on species and populations, which helped shape the field of evolutionary biology. Wright also played a role in the early integration of genetics into the broader biological sciences.

Continue Reading

J. G. Parry-Thomas

Race car driver and engineer, Real Monza
Born
April 6th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1927 98 years ago — 42 years old

A Welsh race car driver and engineer, achievements included significant contributions to automotive engineering and racing. Competed in the 1926 French Grand Prix and set a land speed record of 171.021 mph in 1926 with the racing car named Babs. Focused on engineering innovations in vehicle design, particularly in the realm of speed and safety. Collaborated with notable figures in motorsports and contributed to the development of racing technology.

Continue Reading