Leó Szilárd

Physicist and engineer, Manhattan Project

Leó Szilárd - Physicist and engineer, Manhattan Project
Born

1898
127 years ago

Died

May 30th, 1964
61 years ago — 66 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

A Hungarian-American physicist and engineer who contributed significantly to nuclear physics. Played a crucial role in the development of the atomic bomb as part of the Manhattan Project during World War II. Developed the concept of a nuclear chain reaction and patented the idea of a nuclear reactor. Later advocated for the peaceful use of atomic energy and warned against nuclear proliferation.

Conceived the idea of nuclear chain reactions

Contributed to the Manhattan Project

Advocated for nuclear arms control

Other People Who Died on May 30th

Jacquetta of Luxembourg

Noblewoman and Lady of the Tudor Era
Born
1416 609 years ago
Died
May 30th, 1472 553 years ago — 56 years old

Born to Pierre de Luxembourg, played a significant role in the English court as the wife of John Woodville. Married in 1452, became the mother of Elizabeth Woodville, who married King Edward IV. Her lineage connected the Luxembourgs with English nobility. Actively participated in political affairs during the Wars of the Roses, supporting her daughter's rise to the throne as Queen Consort. Negotiated alliances and managed estates, contributing to the power of the Woodville family during a tumultuous period in English history.

Continue Reading

Wilbur Wright

Aviation pioneer and inventor
Born
April 16th, 1867 158 years ago
Died
May 30th, 1912 113 years ago — 45 years old

An American inventor and aviation pioneer contributed significantly to the development of the airplane. Along with his brother, designed and built the first successful powered aircraft. The Wright Flyer achieved the first powered flight on December 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This achievement marked a pivotal moment in aviation history and paved the way for the future of air travel. Established the Wright Company to manufacture airplanes after the early success.

Continue Reading

Victor D'Hondt

Mathematician and jurist; D'Hondt method
Born
November 20th, 1841 183 years ago
Died
May 30th, 1901 124 years ago — 59 years old

Developed the D'Hondt method for proportional representation in elections. This method, widely used in various electoral systems, determines how to allocate seats to parties based on the number of votes received. D'Hondt contributed significantly to the field of mathematics and law, influencing electoral systems in many countries. Additionally, worked in various legal capacities throughout a distinguished career.

Continue Reading

Boris Pasternak

Russian poet and Nobel Prize-winning author
Born
February 10th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
May 30th, 1960 65 years ago — 70 years old

Born in 1890, this individual emerged as a prominent figure in Russian literature, blending poetry and prose. Best known for the novel 'Doctor Zhivago', which depicted life during the Russian Revolution, the work faced censorship and was published abroad. The literary contributions also included significant poetry collections that explored themes of love, nature, and human existence. The Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded in 1958, though political pressures led to a refusal of the award due to government opposition. The individual’s works remain influential in world literature and are celebrated for their emotional depth and vivid imagery.

Continue Reading

Drew Gordon

Professional basketball player, NCAA standout
Born
1990 35 years ago
Died
May 30th, 2024 1 years ago — 34 years old

Played collegiate basketball at the University of New Mexico, earning All-Mountain West Conference honors. After college, played professionally in various leagues, including the NBA and overseas. Participated in the 2012 NBA Draft, later signing with the Golden State Warriors. Had a successful overseas career in countries such as Spain and Turkey, contributing to teams in significant domestic and international competitions.

Continue Reading

Kalju Lepik

Estonian poet and author
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
May 30th, 1999 26 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent Estonian poet and author, contributions included significant works of poetry that celebrated Estonian culture and identity. Lepik's literary career was marked by a strong commitment to the nation’s heritage, often reflecting themes of nature and the human experience. His poetry was influential during the period of Soviet occupation in Estonia, showcasing resilience and national pride through literary expression. He also engaged in translating works from other languages, helping to bridge cultures. Lepik's efforts in promoting Estonian literature made him a respected figure in the literary community.

Continue Reading