Katherine Johnson

American mathematician and physicist

Katherine Johnson - American mathematician and physicist
Born

August 26th, 1918
106 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

Simone Motta

Professional footballer with success in Serie A
Born
August 26th, 1977 47 years ago

A footballer played as a defender primarily for several clubs in Italy. Prominently played for clubs such as Genoa and AC Milan. Contributed to AC Milan's defense during the 2007 UEFA Champions League victory. Had an impactful career in Serie A, participating in numerous matches and showcasing defensive skills.

Continue Reading

Mother Teresa

Catholic saint and humanitarian advocate
Born
August 26th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
September 5th, 1997 27 years ago — 87 years old

Born in Albania in 1910, dedicated life to serving the poor and sick. Founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, providing support in over 130 countries. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for humanitarian efforts. Canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2016, recognizing contributions to society and faith. Established numerous orphanages and homes for those in need, focusing on compassion and care for the marginalized.

Continue Reading

Saint Jhn

Rapper and songwriter with hit 'Roses'
Born
August 26th, 1986 38 years ago

Saint Jhn is a Guyanese-American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He gained significant attention with the single 'Roses,' which became a viral hit in 2020. In addition to his solo work, collaborations include contributions to tracks for other artists. The artist's style blends hip-hop and R&B elements, appealing to a wide audience. His music often explores personal themes and experiences, resonating with listeners on various levels.

Continue Reading

Brandon McDonald

American football player, cornerback
Born
August 26th, 1985 39 years ago

Played in the National Football League as a cornerback. Played for teams including the Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Was a standout at the collegiate level at the University of Memphis before entering the professional league. Contributed to various defensive formations and made significant interceptions throughout his career. Retired after several seasons in the league.

Continue Reading

Joseph-Michel Montgolfier

French inventor of the hot air balloon
Born
August 26th, 1740 284 years ago
Died
June 26th, 1810 214 years ago — 69 years old

Co-invented the hot air balloon with brother Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier. The first successful flight occurred on June 4, 1783, in Annonay, France. Balloon ascended to approximately 1,000 meters and traveled around 3 kilometers before landing. The invention spurred interest in aerostatic flight and laid the groundwork for future advancements in aviation.

Continue Reading

Vic Dana

American dancer and singer
Born
August 26th, 1940 84 years ago

A dancer and singer emerged in the 1960s, achieving prominence through a captivating blend of pop and traditional music. Gained recognition with the hit single 'I Love You' and also released music like 'Little Altar Boy,' which contributed to a notable music career. Represented a vibrant period in American music history, showcasing talent in both dance and vocal performance. Additionally, appeared in television programs that featured musical performances, further establishing a presence in the entertainment industry.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on February 24th

Georg Christoph Lichtenberg

Physicist and academic known for aphorisms
Born
July 1st, 1742 282 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1799 226 years ago — 56 years old

Contributions included advancements in physics and writing. Developed the Lichtenberg figure, a visual representation of electrical discharges, which later influenced the study of electrical phenomena. Served as a professor at the University of Göttingen, where educational reforms were encouraged. Wrote extensively on various subjects, including science and philosophy, producing a collection of witty and insightful aphorisms that reflect his thoughts on nature, humanity, and society.

Continue Reading

Jacques de La Palice

French military officer and nobleman
Born
1470 555 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1525 500 years ago — 55 years old

Served as a prominent military officer in the French Army during the early 16th century. Participated in the Italian Wars, specifically noted for leadership in the Battle of Pavia. Achieved significant recognition for bravery in battle, ultimately leading to honors posthumously due to the circumstances of his death. An epitaph mistakenly attributed to him became a source of popular humor, further immortalizing his legacy.

Continue Reading

Dinah Shore

Singer and actress from the 1940s
Born
March 1st, 1917 108 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1994 31 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent American actress and singer, she gained fame in the 1940s and continued to make significant contributions to entertainment throughout her career. Shore released numerous hit songs and hosted a successful television variety show for over a decade. The show featured musical performances and guest appearances from various artists and celebrities, enhancing her visibility and popularity. Shore also made a mark in film with memorable roles that showcased her vocal talent. Her ability to engage audiences through her music and television set a standard for later entertainers.

Continue Reading

Henry FitzAlan

19th Earl of Arundel, English nobleman
Born
April 23rd, 1512 512 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1580 445 years ago — 67 years old

Held the title of the 19th Earl of Arundel, influencing political and cultural matters in 16th century England. Served as a prominent figure in the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Held significant land and titles, contributing to the governance and lineage of English nobility. Actively involved in various political machinations and alliances during a turbulent period in British history, particularly during the religious conflicts of the era.

Continue Reading

Leo Ornstein

Pianist and composer of modern music
Born
December 11th, 1893 131 years ago
Died
February 24th, 2002 23 years ago — 108 years old

Born in Ukraine, this pianist and composer emigrated to the United States at a young age. He began composing music in the early 20th century and was a prominent figure in the world of modern music. His innovative techniques and stylistic approaches significantly influenced music in the early 1900s. Throughout a career spanning several decades, he performed extensively and was known for his virtuosic piano playing. His music often incorporated elements of dissonance and emphasized rhythm. He held various teaching positions, sharing his knowledge with aspiring musicians until the later years of his life.

Continue Reading

Alma Thomas

Painter and educator, celebrated for color field abstraction
Born
September 22nd, 1891 133 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1978 47 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent American painter and educator, contributions mainly focused on abstract expressionism and color field painting. As an educator, taught art in Washington D.C. for over 35 years, shaping numerous students. Gained national recognition in the 1960s for vibrant, colorful works showcasing joy and nature, particularly exemplified in painting 'Starry Night and the Moon'. In 1972, became the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, further establishing a legacy in the art community.

Continue Reading