Simon Newcomb
Canadian-American astronomer and mathematician

Born
March 12th, 1835
190 years ago
Died
July 11th, 1909
116 years ago — 74 years old
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
Canada
Links & References
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
Yashwantrao Chavan
Served as the 5th Deputy Prime Minister of India from 1971 to 1975. Played a significant role in the Indian National Congress, contributing to the formation of the Maharashtra state in 1960. Held various ministerial positions, including the Minister of Home Affairs and the Minister of Finance. Active in the Indian independence movement, he was a prominent figure in Indian politics post-independence. His leadership greatly influenced the political landscape of Maharashtra and beyond.
Continue ReadingShreya Ghoshal
An acclaimed playback singer, began singing at a young age and gained popularity after winning a reality show. Her singing career took off with the song 'Bairi Piya' from the film 'Devdas', which earned significant recognition. Over the years, she lent her voice to numerous hit songs across various Indian languages and was awarded multiple National Film Awards. Regularly collaborated with celebrated composers and artists, significantly contributing to the Indian music landscape.
Continue ReadingFrederica of Baden
Born in 1781, Frederica became queen consort of Gustav IV Adolf of Sweden. She married the king in 1797, becoming an important figure in the royal court. Her tenure included significant political challenges, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars, when Sweden faced territorial losses. Frederica and Gustav IV had several children, and her role was pivotal in maintaining royal traditions during a tumultuous period in Swedish history. The monarchy faced difficulties, especially after Gustav IV's ousting in 1809, which led to the couple's separation for a time. Frederica spent the latter part of her life in exile, primarily in her native Baden.
Continue ReadingElizaveta Ukolova
A figure skater competed at national and international levels. Achieved significant rankings in various championships, showcasing technical skills in both singles and pairs events. Participated in European and World Figure Skating Championships, representing the Czech Republic. Developed a reputation for artistry and competitive spirit on ice.
Continue ReadingIlya Nikulin
Played as a defenseman in ice hockey primarily for Ak Bars Kazan. Competed in the KHL and represented the national team. Won a bronze medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Achieved multiple championships in the KHL, contributing to team successes.
Continue ReadingJane Pierce
Served as First Lady of the United States from 1853 to 1857 during the presidency of Franklin Pierce. Her tenure was marked by personal tragedy and political challenges. The loss of her son in a train accident influenced her public life. Focused on her family's well-being and often engaged in social issues of the time, she played a supportive role in her husband's political career. Her involvement in the role of First Lady included hosting events and being an example of 19th-century domesticity.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 11th
Laurance Rockefeller
Financier and philanthropist focused on environmental conservation and sustainable development. Played a significant role in the establishment of national parks in the United States. Contributed to the conservation of natural resources and wildlife through various initiatives and organizations. Made critical investments in innovative sectors such as biotechnology and renewable energy. Participated in the establishment of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, supporting a range of philanthropic activities.
Continue ReadingJi Xianlin
A prominent linguist and paleographer, focused on ancient Chinese texts and languages. Contributed significantly to the study of historical linguistics and the preservation of cultural heritage through his scholarly work. Played a key role in the development of paleography in China, and engaged in extensive translation projects that enriched the understanding of classical literature. Held esteemed positions in academic institutions, fostering the study of linguistics and history.
Continue ReadingRoss Macdonald
A prominent author of detective fiction, contributed significantly to the genre. Wrote several novels featuring private detective Lew Archer. Standout works include 'The Moving Target' and 'The Chill'. His narratives often explore psychological depth and social issues, marking a shift in hard-boiled detective literature. Received acclaim for weaving intricate plots with rich character development. Influenced later generations of crime writers and is considered a pivotal figure in American-Canadian literature.
Continue ReadingCarin Mannheimer
An author and screenwriter primarily engaged in writing for television and literature. Gained recognition for contributions to Swedish drama with a focus on themes of love, family, and societal issues. Worked on numerous successful television series and published several acclaimed books. The work encompassed both comedic and dramatic elements, reflecting life in Sweden. Explored human relationships and emotional depth in storytelling.
Continue ReadingRobert Runcie
Served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1980 to 1991. Runcie played a key role in addressing issues within the Church of England and became an influential figure in the Anglican Communion. He engaged in dialogues on social justice, interfaith relations, and the role of the church in modern society. His tenure included significant events such as the ordination of women as priests, a topic which generated considerable discussion within the church. Runcie advocated for peace during the Cold War and sought ecumenical relationships among different Christian denominations. His leadership emphasized pastoral care and the importance of faith in public life.
Continue ReadingOlga of Kiev
Ruled as regent for her son after the death of her husband, Igor of Kiev. Implemented significant administrative reforms and influenced the expansion of Christianity within Kievan Rus. Conducted diplomatic missions, notably to the Byzantine Empire. Her leadership strengthened the state and set a foundation for future rulers.
Continue Reading