Hermann von Helmholtz
Physician and physicist, trained in optics
A prominent figure in the fields of physiology and physics, significant contributions included the formulation of the principle of conservation of energy and exploration of sensory perception. Worked on the nature of vision and sound, laying foundational theories for modern physics. Authored influential texts that bridged the gap between physics and biology. Engaged in extensive research on the laws of thermodynamics, integrating concepts of energy into biological understanding. Established himself as a leading scientist in the 19th century.
Formulated the principle of conservation of energy
Contributed to the understanding of vision and sound
Published 'Handbuch der physiologischen Optik'
Other People Born on August 31st
Jang Won-young
South Korean singer and model
Born
August 31st, 2004 21 years ago
Rose to prominence as a member of the South Korean girl group, IZ*ONE, formed through the competitive reality show 'Produce 48'. The group debuted in 2018 and gained significant popularity with hit songs like 'La Vie en Rose' and 'Panorama'. Following the disbandment of the group in 2021, transitioned into a successful solo career, continuing to gain attention as a model and public figure within the South Korean entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingNicolás Tagliafico
Argentine footballer, Ajax defender
Born
August 31st, 1992 33 years ago
A professional footballer from Argentina, primarily played as a left-back. Started career in domestic leagues before moving to Europe, where performance attracted attention from major clubs. Achieved significant success with Ajax, participating in multiple domestic league titles and UEFA Champions League campaigns. Represented the Argentina national team in international tournaments.
Continue ReadingJalen Brunson
Basketball player and NBA champion
Born
August 31st, 1996 29 years ago
A professional basketball player, played college basketball at Villanova University, achieving significant success. Contributed to Villanova's NCAA Championships in 2016 and 2018. Drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018. Played pivotal roles with the Mavericks before signing with the New York Knicks in 2021, becoming a key player for the team. Recognized for leadership on and off the court, earned the NBA All-Star selection, showcasing skills in playmaking and scoring.
Continue ReadingOndřej Pavelec
Czech ice hockey goaltender, NHL player
Born
August 31st, 1987 38 years ago
Career in professional ice hockey spanned over a decade, primarily as a goaltender. Played for the Atlanta Thrashers and Winnipeg Jets in the National Hockey League (NHL). Participated in the IIHF World Championships with the Czech national team, contributing to a bronze medal finish in 2006. Recognition included being selected in the second round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
Continue ReadingHolly Earl
British actress from 'The Worst Witch'
Born
August 31st, 1992 33 years ago
Birth occurred on August 31, 1992. Early career included appearances in several television programs. Gained recognition for participation in the series 'The Worst Witch' as a lead character. Additional work included roles in theatre productions and guest spots in television dramas. Career encompassed both comedic and dramatic performances, showcasing versatility in acting skills. Continued to work in the entertainment industry while building a body of work primarily aimed at younger audiences.
Continue ReadingBrittany Mahomes
Soccer player and entrepreneur
Born
August 31st, 1995 30 years ago
A soccer player with a background in collegiate soccer, played at the University of Texas at Tyler. Transitioned to a public figure through marriage to an NFL quarterback. Engaged in entrepreneurial ventures, including a fitness business. Also known for philanthropic activities.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 8th
Marvin Barnes
Professional basketball player, NBA
Born
July 27th, 1952 73 years ago
Died
September 8th, 2014 11 years ago — 62 years old
A professional basketball player played for teams including the Detroit Pistons and the Rhode Island Gulls during the 1970s and 1980s. Achieved recognition in the American Basketball Association (ABA) while with the Gulls, where notable performances contributed to the team's success. Participated in the 1974 NBA Draft, selected by the Pistons, and had a notable college career at Providence College, earning All-American honors before turning professional. Struggled with personal issues that impacted playing career, but left a mark in professional basketball through his scoring ability and rebounding skills.
Continue ReadingPeter Simon Pallas
German zoologist and botanist
Born
September 22nd, 1741 284 years ago
Died
September 8th, 1811 214 years ago — 69 years old
A prominent zoologist and botanist contributed significantly to the fields of natural history and zoology. Conducted extensive research on the flora and fauna of Siberia and published influential works, which included comprehensive studies of the animals and plants of the region. Played a key role in the classification of various species, and his findings helped expand the scientific understanding of biodiversity in Europe and Asia. Collaborated with several prominent naturalists and was instrumental in the establishment of the Petersburg Academy of Sciences.
Continue ReadingFriedrich Baumfelder
German pianist and conductor
Born
May 28th, 1836 189 years ago
Died
September 8th, 1916 109 years ago — 80 years old
Born in 1836, this individual gained recognition as a pianist, composer, and conductor in the 19th century. Primarily active in Germany, this musician's work included compositions for piano and choral repertoire. He served as a conductor for various orchestras, contributing to the performance of classical music. In addition to conducting, he composed several works that were published and widely performed, solidifying his role in the classical music scene of the time.
Continue ReadingAage Bohr
Danish physicist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
June 19th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
September 8th, 2009 16 years ago — 87 years old
Born in 1922, a prominent physicist contributed to the understanding of nuclear structure and reactions. Played a significant role in developing the collective model of nuclear structure. Served as a professor at the University of Copenhagen and directed the Niels Bohr Institute. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1975 for advancements in theoretical nuclear physics.
Continue ReadingJulius Fučík
Czech composer of military music
Born
July 18th, 1872 153 years ago
Died
September 8th, 1943 82 years ago — 71 years old
Born in 1872, this individual was a composer and conductor renowned for works within the military band genre. Educated in Prague, he developed a distinctive style that incorporated various musical influences. Best recognized for compositions such as 'Entry of the Gladiators', the individual contributed significantly to the repertoire for military bands. The work remains popular worldwide and is often performed at circuses and events.
Continue ReadingLeni Riefenstahl
Film director and actress of Triumph of the Will
Born
August 22nd, 1902 123 years ago
Died
September 8th, 2003 22 years ago — 101 years old
An actress and film director, made significant contributions to cinema during the early 20th century. Directed the propaganda film 'Triumph of the Will', which documented the 1934 Nazi Party Congress in Nuremberg. Also directed 'Olympia', a documentary about the 1936 Berlin Olympics, showcasing innovative cinematic techniques. Riefenstahl's work is frequently analyzed for its aesthetic qualities and the use of film as a propaganda tool.
Continue Reading