Jan Oort

Dutch astronomer and academic

Jan Oort - Dutch astronomer and academic
Born

April 28th, 1900
125 years ago

Died

November 5th, 1992
32 years ago — 92 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

Netherlands

Links & References

Contributed significantly to the field of astronomy, particularly in the study of galaxies and the structure of the Milky Way. Proposed the existence of the Oort Cloud, a theoretical cloud of icy bodies believed to surround the solar system. Served as a professor at Leiden University and published numerous papers in astrophysics. Played a crucial role in advancing radio astronomy in the Netherlands.

Proposed the existence of the Oort Cloud

Studied the rotation of the Milky Way

Advanced radio astronomy in the Netherlands

Other People Born on April 28th

Willie Colón

Trombonist and salsa music producer
Born
April 28th, 1950 75 years ago

A prominent figure in salsa music, contributed significantly to the genre through performances and productions. Established a successful career in the 1970s, collaborating with numerous artists and bands, including Hector Lavoe. Influenced the Latin music scene with innovative arrangements that fused traditional rhythms with other musical styles. Co-founded the label Fania Records, a pivotal platform for salsa music and its artists. Instrumental in popularizing salsa worldwide and maintaining its cultural relevance.

Continue Reading

Lucien Aimar

French professional road racing cyclist
Born
April 28th, 1941 84 years ago

A professional road racing cyclist, competed primarily during the 1960s. Achieved significant success in prestigious events including the Tour de France. Secured the yellow jersey in the 1966 edition and contributed to the French team's overall success in international competitions. Had a successful career with multiple wins in one-day races and stage wins, establishing a legacy in the sport of cycling.

Continue Reading

Roger Johnson

English footballer with key club roles
Born
April 28th, 1983 42 years ago

A professional footballer from England, played as a central defender. Had stints with several clubs including Cardiff City, where helped secure promotion to the Premier League in 2008-09, and Birmingham City, where contributed to winning the League Cup in 2011. Represented the England national team at various youth levels. Career included notable performances in both the Football League and the Premier League.

Continue Reading

Charles W. Woodworth

Entomologist and academic expert
Born
April 28th, 1865 160 years ago
Died
1940 85 years ago — 75 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of entomology. Focused research on the life cycles and control of agricultural pests. Served as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where teaching and research on insect behavior and taxonomy flourished. Played a key role in founding the Entomological Society of America and held the presidency of that organization. His work also included studies on the ecology of certain insect species.

Continue Reading

Ethel Catherwood

High Jumper and Javelin Thrower
Born
April 28th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
1987 38 years ago — 79 years old

Competed primarily in high jump and javelin throw during the 1920s. Won a gold medal in high jump at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, becoming the first Canadian woman to achieve Olympic success in athletics. Set several national records in high jump, showcasing exceptional skill and technique. Retired from competitive athletics shortly thereafter and later became involved in coaching and promoting sports for women.

Continue Reading

Charles Cotton

English poet and author of 'The Complete Angler'
Born
April 28th, 1630 395 years ago
Died
1687 338 years ago — 57 years old

Born in England, a poet and author contributed significantly to English literature during the 17th century. Best recognized for 'The Complete Angler', a book combining poetry and prose related to fishing, celebrating nature and the joys of angling. In addition to 'The Complete Angler', also produced works of poetry, including 'Verses on the Death of Dr. W. Harris' and collaborated with other notable figures of the era. Cotton’s writings reflect the literary trends of his time, blending pastoral themes and elegant language while championing the leisure of angling as a noble pursuit.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on November 5th

Link Wray

American guitarist and rock musician
Born
May 2nd, 1929 95 years ago
Died
November 5th, 2005 19 years ago — 76 years old

A pioneering rock musician, contributed significantly to the genre with unique guitar techniques. Gained recognition for the instrumental track 'Rumble', which showcased innovative usage of distortion and power chords. The influence on later rock music artists is notable, shaping the sound of punk and garage rock. Continued to perform and record music throughout life, influencing generations of guitarists and musicians.

Continue Reading

Thomas Sully

American painter of portraits and historical scenes
Born
1783 242 years ago
Died
November 5th, 1872 152 years ago — 89 years old

A 19th-century English-American painter, renowned for portraiture and historical works. Sully was a significant figure in American art, blending European techniques with American themes. His career spanned several decades, during which he painted notable figures of the time, including political leaders and prominent citizens. Sully's works often portrayed subjects with a distinctive balance of realism and idealism. His paintings contributed to the establishment of portraiture as a respected genre in American art.

Continue Reading

Al Capp

American cartoonist of 'Li'l Abner'
Born
September 28th, 1909 115 years ago
Died
November 5th, 1979 45 years ago — 70 years old

An author and illustrator from the United States, created the comic strip 'Li'l Abner' which ran from 1934 to 1977. This work satirized American culture and social issues through the adventures of a fictional Appalachian character and his quirky community. Capp's distinctive style and humor garnered widespread attention and became a staple in American comic art. In addition to his famous comic strip, he contributed to various political and social commentary through his artistic work, influencing the landscape of American cartoons.

Continue Reading

Bernardino Ramazzini

Italian physician, author of 'De Morbis Artificum'
Born
October 4th, 1633 391 years ago
Died
November 5th, 1714 310 years ago — 81 years old

A physician, emphasized the importance of occupational health. Published 'De Morbis Artificum' in 1700, a pioneering text in the field of occupational medicine. The work detailed diseases associated with various trades and advocated for improved working conditions for laborers. Contributed significantly to the understanding of health risks in specific occupations and laid the foundation for modern occupational health practices.

Continue Reading

Alexis Carrel

Surgeon and biologist, Nobel laureate
Born
June 28th, 1873 151 years ago
Died
November 5th, 1944 80 years ago — 71 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of surgery and biology. Conducted pioneering work in vascular surgery and developed techniques for organ transplantation. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1912 for contributions to surgical techniques and organ preservation. Worked extensively in tissue culture, laying foundational aspects for future biological research. Served as a professor at the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, where further research into organ transplantation and surgical methods occurred.

Continue Reading

Mack Sennett

Film director and producer of comedies
Born
January 17th, 1880 145 years ago
Died
November 5th, 1960 64 years ago — 80 years old

Born in Canada and later moving to the United States, this individual became a prominent figure in the early film industry. As the founder of Keystone Studios, he pioneered the slapstick comedy genre and created the iconic character Charlie Chaplin portrayed in his films. Directed numerous films during the silent era, earning a reputation for producing comedic shorts that featured car chases and elaborate gags. This filmmaker's work contributed significantly to the popularization of comedy in cinema. He played a vital role in establishing the standard for comedic timing and character performances in film, influencing generations of filmmakers and actors.

Continue Reading