Niccolò Zucchi
Italian astronomer and physicist
Contributed to the fields of astronomy and physics during the 17th century. Conducted extensive studies on the nature of light and optics, proposing theories on the composition of sunlight. Developed one of the early telescopes and observed Jupiter's moons. Authored several works, including writings on the atmosphere of the moon.
Developed one of the first telescopes
Wrote about lunar observations
Studied the nature of light and optics
Other People Born on December 6th
William II of the Netherlands
King of the Netherlands, Dutch Wars
Born
December 6th, 1792 233 years ago
Died
1849 177 years ago — 57 years old
Ruled as King of the Netherlands from 1849 until 1849. Oversaw significant military engagement during the Dutch Wars, including the Second Anglo-Dutch War. Advocated for constitutional reforms, promoting a modernized governance structure. Engaged in diplomatic efforts to improve relations with neighboring countries and strengthen the Dutch economy.
Continue ReadingGeorge Porter
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 6th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
August 31st, 2002 23 years ago — 81 years old
A prominent English chemist and academic, significant contributions were made in the field of physical chemistry. Porter was instrumental in advancing the study of reaction kinetics and flash photolysis, a technique that enables the observation of chemical reactions on extremely short timescales. As a professor at the University of Sussex, he influenced a generation of chemists and engaged in extensive public outreach to promote science. In 1967, he received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, highlighting his pioneering work on the kinetics of chemical reactions and the dynamics of elementary processes. His research has had lasting implications in various scientific fields.
Continue ReadingBenjamin A. Gilman
American soldier and politician
Born
December 6th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2016 9 years ago — 94 years old
Served as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1973 to 1998. Participated in World War II as a soldier in the Army, where significant contributions included leadership roles. Actively engaged in international relations, particularly in Latin America and Eastern Europe during the post-Cold War era. Advocated for veterans' issues and supported various community initiatives throughout the congressional tenure.
Continue ReadingWilliam Arnott
Biscuit manufacturer, founder of Arnott's
Born
December 6th, 1827 198 years ago
Died
1901 125 years ago — 74 years old
Established Arnott's Biscuits, a major biscuit manufacturer in Australia. Played a crucial role in the development of the Australian baking industry. Set the foundation for the company's reputation which grew over the years.
Continue ReadingFrédéric Bazille
French painter and Impressionist artist
Born
December 6th, 1841 184 years ago
Died
November 28th, 1870 155 years ago — 28 years old
A French painter associated with the Impressionist movement, recognized for an influential approach to light and color in landscapes and group scenes. Studied at the École des Beaux-Arts and befriended other prominent artists like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Followed his passion for painting alongside military service during the Franco-Prussian War. His works feature a unique blend of realism and impressionism. Died at a young age during the war, leaving behind a legacy that influenced future generations of artists.
Continue ReadingSatoru Iwata
Video game programmer and president of Nintendo
Born
December 6th, 1959 66 years ago
Died
July 11th, 2015 10 years ago — 55 years old
A video game programmer and businessman, played a pivotal role in the gaming industry. Served as president of Nintendo from 2002 until passing in 2015. Contributed to the development of iconic games such as 'EarthBound' and 'Super Smash Bros.' Played a significant role in the Wii and Nintendo DS systems' creation, which expanded the gaming audience. Advocated for innovative gaming experiences.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 21st
Fred Gladding
Baseball player and pitching coach
Born
1936 90 years ago
Died
May 21st, 2015 10 years ago — 79 years old
Played Major League Baseball as a pitcher for multiple teams including the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and New York Mets. Transitioned to coaching, serving as a pitching coach for the Houston Astros and New York Mets. Contributed to the development of many players throughout his coaching career. Enjoyed a long tenure in professional baseball both as a player and a coach.
Continue ReadingRaymond McCreesh
Irish Republican hunger striker
Born
February 25th, 1957 68 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1981 44 years ago — 24 years old
Born in 1957, a significant figure in the Irish Republican movement, engaged in political activism in Northern Ireland. Participated in the 1981 hunger strike at Long Kesh Prison, advocating for political status for Republican prisoners. Died after 61 days without food, becoming a symbol of the struggle for Irish nationalism and resistance against British rule.
Continue ReadingAnn Little
American actress in silent films
Born
1891 135 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1984 41 years ago — 93 years old
Active in the early 20th century, this actress starred in silent films. Gained attention for performances in movies such as 'The Coming of Amos' (1913) and 'The Count of Monte Cristo' (1922). Transitioned to sound films but her prominence diminished with the advent of talkies. Continued to work in various acting roles throughout the late 1920s and early 1930s.
Continue ReadingConrad IV
King of Germany and Sicily
Born
1228 798 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1254 771 years ago — 26 years old
Became King of Germany in 1250 and later King of Sicily in 1254. His reign was marked by conflicts over imperial authority and control over the Kingdom of Sicily. Faced challenges from papal authority and opposition from other noble factions within the German territories. Died at a young age, leaving an unfinished legacy tied to both the Holy Roman Empire and the southern Italian kingdom.
Continue ReadingPandolfo Petrucci
Tyrant of Siena
Born
February 14th, 1452 573 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1512 513 years ago — 60 years old
Governed Siena during the late 15th century. Achieved power through a combination of political maneuvering and military strength. Established a ruling dynasty in Siena that controlled the city for decades, influencing its affairs and politics. Oversaw significant changes in the governance and administration of the city-state. His rule marked the transition of Siena from a free comune to a more centralized authority.
Continue ReadingHugo de Vries
Botanist and geneticist, mutation theory
Born
February 16th, 1848 177 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1935 90 years ago — 87 years old
Contributions to genetics included the formulation of the mutation theory, which proposed that new species arise from sudden changes in traits. Conducted hybridization experiments on plants, particularly evening primroses, leading to significant findings in heredity and variation. Published works advanced the understanding of Mendelian inheritance, which laid foundational principles for modern genetics. De Vries also played a role in the revival of interest in Mendel's laws in the early 20th century, influencing future research in the field.
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