Simon Newcomb
Canadian-American astronomer and mathematician
An influential astronomer and mathematician, contributions spanned astronomy, mathematics, and predictive calculations for celestial phenomena. Played a significant role in the development of modern astronomical methods and collaborated with various scientific institutions. Served as director of the Nautical Almanac Office and published several works including extensive tables of planetary motion. Major contributions to the field included work on the theory of the orbits of comets and an extensive study of the measurements of stellar parallax.
Authored the Newcomb's Tables of the Sun
Contributed to the establishment of the International Astronomical Union
Other People Born on March 12th
Danny Jones
Singer-songwriter and actor
Born
March 12th, 1986 39 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 2015 10 years ago — 29 years old
Singer-songwriter and actor, associated with the band McFly, which gained prominence in the early 2000s. The band's debut album, 'Room on the 3rd Floor', topped the UK Albums Chart. Contributed to the band's success with multiple hit singles and albums. Expanded career to acting, appearing in television series and various productions.
Continue ReadingGeorge Forbes
New Zealand Prime Minister
Born
March 12th, 1869 156 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1947 78 years ago — 78 years old
Served as the 22nd Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1930 to 1935. As a member of the Reform Party, held various ministerial positions prior to becoming Prime Minister, including Minister of Finance. Implemented key policies during the Great Depression to stabilize the economy. After leaving office, remained active in politics and served in various capacities, including the role of a prominent public figure in New Zealand.
Continue ReadingCene Prevc
Ski Jumper with World Cup titles
Born
March 12th, 1996 29 years ago
A ski jumper from Slovenia, achieved significant success in international competitions. Competed in the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup and secured several podium finishes. Represented Slovenia in multiple Ski Jumping World Championships, showcasing exceptional skill and technique in the sport. Achieved victories in team events and individual competitions, contributing to the prominence of Slovenian ski jumping on the world stage.
Continue ReadingW. H. R. Rivers
English anthropologist and psychiatrist
Born
March 12th, 1864 161 years ago
Died
June 4th, 1922 103 years ago — 58 years old
Significant contributions to anthropology and psychiatry characterized the career of a prominent English figure. Rivers studied various cultures, focusing on Pacific Islanders and their customs. As a psychiatrist, he explored mental health treatment, incorporating insights from his anthropological research. His work as a soldier during World War I significantly influenced his views on psychology and trauma, leading to advancements in the treatment of shell shock. Rivers’ research in ethnology shed light on the interactions between different cultures and the role of war in influencing social structures.
Continue ReadingKen Spears
American writer and animation producer
Born
March 12th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
November 6th, 2020 5 years ago — 82 years old
A writer and producer specialized in animation, contributions included co-creating the animated television series Scooby-Doo alongside Joe Ruby. The series debuted in 1969 and became a significant part of American pop culture. In addition to Scooby-Doo, involvement included other projects in the animation landscape throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The body of work contributed to establishing the formula for mystery and adventure in animated format, influencing future generations of animated storytelling.
Continue ReadingMaxwell Holt
American volleyball player, Olympic athlete
Born
March 12th, 1987 38 years ago
An accomplished volleyball player, excelled in indoor volleyball. Competed for the United States national team, contributing to significant international competitions. Achieved a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Played professionally in various leagues, including a tenure in Italy. Recognized for skills as a middle blocker and his contributions to team success.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 11th
Gary Kildall
Computer scientist, founded Digital Research
Born
May 19th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
July 11th, 1994 31 years ago — 52 years old
Contributed significantly to the development of operating systems, particularly through the creation of CP/M (Control Program for Microcomputers). Founded Digital Research, which provided software for microcomputers and played a key role in the early personal computing revolution. Developed one of the first operating systems compatible with the IBM PC. Later, CP/M was overshadowed by MS-DOS but was pivotal in establishing software standards and practices in the industry.
Continue ReadingAmalric I of Jerusalem
King of Jerusalem during Crusades
Born
1136 889 years ago
Died
July 11th, 1174 851 years ago — 38 years old
Ruled as King of Jerusalem from 1163 until death in 1174. Oversaw the kingdom during a tumultuous period marked by conflicts with Saladin and the consolidation of Crusader territories. Expanded the realm's influence and established strategic alliances, including marrying Amalric of Jerusalem. His reign was notable for military campaigns aimed at reclaiming lost territories and strengthening the defense of Jerusalem against Muslim forces. Died in 1174, leaving a significant legacy in the history of the Crusades.
Continue ReadingMichael E. DeBakey
Heart surgeon and medical innovator
Born
September 7th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
July 11th, 2008 17 years ago — 99 years old
A prominent American surgeon and educator, contributions included advancements in cardiovascular surgery and medical education. Developed the first successful coronary artery bypass graft procedure and played a key role in the development of the ventricular assist device. Served as a professor of surgery and held several leadership positions in various medical institutions. Involved in military surgery during World War II, contributing to surgical techniques in trauma care.
Continue ReadingYevgeny Baratynsky
Russian-Italian poet and philosopher
Born
March 2nd, 1800 225 years ago
Died
July 11th, 1844 181 years ago — 44 years old
Born in 1800, a poet and philosopher contributed significantly to Russian literature. His poetry explored themes of nature, love, and existential questions, reflecting a deep engagement with Romanticism. Baratynsky's works often exhibited a melancholic tone, influenced by personal experiences and philosophical inquiries. He became a prominent figure of the Silver Age of Russian poetry, earning recognition for his innovative use of language and form. His philosophical essays also expanded ideas about art and the relationship between man and nature.
Continue ReadingBill McGill
Basketball player with Chicago Bulls
Born
September 16th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
July 11th, 2014 11 years ago — 74 years old
Played professional basketball in the 1960s and 1970s. Competed in the NBA, primarily with the Chicago Bulls. Also had stints in the ABA and overseas. Achieved success at the collegiate level, playing for the University of Utah before entering the professional ranks. Notable for scoring ability and rebounding skill during his playing career.
Continue ReadingGlenda Adams
Australian author and academic
Born
December 30th, 1939 85 years ago
Died
July 11th, 2007 18 years ago — 67 years old
An Australian author and academic contributed significantly to literature with a focus on modernist themes and the complexities of human relationships. Wrote critically acclaimed novels, essays, and short stories. Notable works include the novels 'Dancing on Coral' and 'The Acolyte', along with various scholarly articles analyzing literature and culture. Held academic positions that influenced literary scholarship, dedicating efforts to teaching and writing throughout a lengthy career.
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