Katherine Johnson

American mathematician and physicist

Katherine Johnson - American mathematician and physicist
Born

August 26th, 1918
107 years ago

Died

February 24th, 2020
5 years ago — 101 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

A physicist and mathematician contributed significantly to the United States space program, particularly during the early years of NASA. She calculated flight trajectories for the first American in space, Alan Shepard, and provided crucial calculations for the Apollo 11 mission, which landed the first humans on the Moon. In 2015, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for contributions to the fields of mathematics and aerospace.

Calculated flight trajectories for Apollo 11

Performed critical calculations for Alan Shepard's flight

Worked at NASA for over three decades

Other People Born on August 26th

Antoine Lavoisier

French chemist, father of modern chemistry
Born
August 26th, 1743 282 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1794 231 years ago — 50 years old

Contributed significantly to the establishment of modern chemistry. Conducted experiments that led to the identification of oxygen and the role it plays in combustion. Introduced methods for chemical nomenclature and classification. Played a crucial role in debunking the phlogiston theory, thus paving the way for the chemical revolution of the late 18th century. Provided critical insights into the conservation of mass, formulating the law that mass is neither created nor destroyed in chemical reactions. His work laid the foundations for analytical chemistry and shaped future research in the field.

Continue Reading

Margaret Utinsky

Nurse and Medal of Freedom recipient
Born
August 26th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 70 years old

Served as a nurse during World War II, providing medical assistance in several locations. Engaged in covert operations to support resistance movements in occupied territories. Recognized for bravery and exceptional service. Received the Medal of Freedom for actions that contributed to the Allied victory and support of local populations. Continued to advocate for health care standards and veteran services post-war.

Continue Reading

David Price

Professional baseball pitcher, Cy Young Award winner
Born
August 26th, 1985 40 years ago

Played professional baseball primarily as a pitcher. Made Major League Baseball debut in 2008 with the Tampa Bay Rays. Achieved significant success, including winning the 2012 AL Cy Young Award. Played for teams such as the Tampa Bay Rays, Detroit Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Boston Red Sox. Helped the Boston Red Sox win the 2018 World Series. Known for strong performance in the postseason and regular season throughout career.

Continue Reading

Gerard Campbell

American priest and academic leader
Born
August 26th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
2012 13 years ago — 93 years old

Served as a prominent priest and academic, contributing to theological education and religious discourse. Held various positions in ecclesiastical institutions, focusing on the intersection of faith and education. Engaged in scholarly activities, publishing works that discussed theology and philosophy. Played a significant role in the development of religious programs and initiatives, fostering a deeper understanding of spiritual matters within academic settings.

Continue Reading

Torsten Schmitz

German boxer and European Champion
Born
August 26th, 1964 61 years ago

Competed in professional boxing during the 1980s and 1990s. Held the WBC Super Featherweight title. Actively participated in several notable bouts, contributing to the sport during his career. He represented Germany in various international competitions and matches, gaining recognition within the boxing community.

Continue Reading

Tino Best

Barbadian cricketer and fast bowler
Born
August 26th, 1981 44 years ago

Born on August 26, 1981, in Barbados, a talented cricketer achieved recognition as a fast bowler. Developed skills that led to international representation with the West Indies national team. Had a distinguished career, particularly in Test matches, showcasing pace and aggression on the field. Played for several domestic teams during his career, including the Barbados and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League. Best's performances in memorable matches contributed to his reputation within the sport, leading to a strong following among fans.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on February 24th

Eberhard I

Duke of Württemberg and founder
Born
December 11th, 1445 579 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1496 529 years ago — 50 years old

Duke of Württemberg from 1457 until death in 1496. Founded the university in Tübingen, which became a significant educational institution. Strengthened the power of the duchy and established important alliances through marriage and diplomacy. Oversaw the expansion of territory and influence in the region. Implemented administrative reforms within the duchy.

Continue Reading

Joseph I of Portugal

King of Portugal and the Algarve
Born
June 6th, 1714 311 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1777 248 years ago — 62 years old

Ruled as the King of Portugal from 1750 until death in 1777. Joseph I presided over a period of significant change and modernization in Portugal, particularly following the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Under his reign, efforts were made to rebuild the city and improve infrastructure. A notable event during his rule was the establishment of the Marquis of Pombal as Prime Minister, who led reforms in the administration and economy. Joseph I's reign significantly influenced the evolution of the Portuguese state and its governance.

Continue Reading

Charles III of Naples

Monarch of Naples and King of Sicily
Born
1345 680 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1386 639 years ago — 41 years old

Ruled as King of Naples and Sicily during the late 14th century. Ascended the throne in 1382 after a series of conflicts and power struggles. Commanded military campaigns against rival factions and sought to strengthen the monarchy through strategic marriages and alliances. His reign faced challenges from neighboring states and internal unrest. The assassination in 1386 marked a significant turning point in the region's history, leading to further instability in Naples.

Continue Reading

Borrell

Bishop and religious leader
Died
February 24th, 1018 1007 years ago — None years old

Served as the bishop of Vic, a position held from around 1000 until death in 1018. Contributed significantly to the religious and administrative life of the region. Established various ecclesiastical programs and promoted the Christian faith among local populations. Known for involvement in regional politics and church affairs, influencing decisions within the church hierarchy.

Continue Reading

Hjalmar Branting

Swedish politician and Nobel laureate
Born
November 23rd, 1860 164 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1925 100 years ago — 64 years old

Served as the 16th Prime Minister of Sweden, holding office from 1920 to 1923. Played a significant role in Swedish politics and was a member of the Social Democratic Party. Contributed to the establishment of the League of Nations, emphasizing international cooperation and peace. Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1921 for efforts in promoting peace and disarmament.

Continue Reading

Francis, Duke of Guise

French military leader
Born
1519 506 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1563 462 years ago — 44 years old

A significant figure in the French Wars of Religion, played a pivotal role in the conflicts between Catholics and Huguenots. Francis commanded the royal troops at the siege of Orleans in 1562. His leadership and military strategies in battle helped to assert Catholic dominance in France during a tumultuous period.

Continue Reading