Williamina Fleming

Astronomer; cataloged over 10,000 stars

Williamina Fleming - Astronomer; cataloged over 10,000 stars
Born

May 15th, 1857
167 years ago

Died

May 21st, 1911
113 years ago — 54 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

A Scottish-American astronomer and academic contributed to the field of astronomy while working at the Harvard College Observatory. Developed a system for classifying stars based on their spectral characteristics. Played a key role in the identification of variable stars and made significant contributions to the study of nebulae. Her work included creating the Henry Draper Catalogue, which documented stellar classifications.

Cataloged over 10,000 stars in the Henry Draper Catalogue

Developed a stellar classification system

Identified the first variable star in the Milky Way

Other People Born on May 15th

Matías Fernández

Chilean footballer and Copa América winner
Born
May 15th, 1986 38 years ago

Born in 1986, a professional football player developed in the youth ranks of Colo-Colo. Played for several European clubs, including Villarreal and Fiorentina. Contributed to the Chilean national team, achieving significant success in international competitions. Played a key role in winning the 2015 Copa América, ending a 99-year title drought for Chile. Known for technical skills and playmaking abilities, influenced matches at both club and international levels.

Continue Reading

Dwayne De Rosario

Canadian soccer player, MLS All-Star
Born
May 15th, 1978 46 years ago

A professional soccer player excelled in Major League Soccer (MLS) primarily with the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo. Achieved significant success during career, securing multiple MLS Cup championships. Played for the Canadian national team, earning numerous caps. Recognized for scoring proficiency and playmaking abilities.

Continue Reading

Ken Venturi

Golf champion and sportscaster
Born
May 15th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2013 11 years ago — 82 years old

Accomplished golfer and sportscaster achieved significant recognition in the golfing world. Won the 1964 U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club after overcoming a severe personal challenge. Transitioned to a long career in broadcasting with CBS Sports, where provided insightful commentary and analysis of golf tournaments. Contributed to the sport's popularity through a unique ability to connect with audiences.

Continue Reading

Arletty

French actress in 'Hotel du Nord'
Born
May 15th, 1898 126 years ago
Died
July 24th, 1992 32 years ago — 94 years old

Born in 1898, this French figure significantly contributed to the realms of acting and music. Gaining prominence in the 1930s, showcased talent through film and stage performances. Starred in the acclaimed film 'Hotel du Nord', which solidified her status in French cinema. Her personal life, marked by romance and controversy during World War II, influenced her public perception. The career spanned several decades, with remarkable versatility in expression and talent. Continued to perform until later years, leaving a lasting legacy in the performing arts.

Continue Reading

Trini Lopez

Singer, guitarist, and actor in the 1960s
Born
May 15th, 1937 87 years ago
Died
August 11th, 2020 4 years ago — 83 years old

An American singer and guitarist rose to prominence in the 1960s with hit songs and energetic performances. Achieved acclaim with the iconic rendition of 'If I Had a Hammer.' Acted in films including 'The Dirty Dozen' and 'Jack the Giant Killer.' Lopez gained recognition for his vibrant music style and engagement with audiences, influencing the folk music scene during this era.

Continue Reading

Ales Michalevic

Belarusian lawyer and politician
Born
May 15th, 1975 49 years ago

Graduated with a law degree and engaged in political activities. Served as a member of the House of Representatives in Belarus. Championed democratic reforms and human rights issues. Actively opposed the government of Alexander Lukashenko, advocating for free elections and political freedoms. Faced legal challenges and harsh treatment for these activities, contributing to an ongoing legacy of political activism in Belarus.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 21st

Annarita Sidoti

Italian race walker, multiple champion
Born
1969 56 years ago
Died
May 21st, 2015 9 years ago — 46 years old

An accomplished race walker, achieved significant milestones in international competitions. Secured a gold medal at the 1996 European Athletics Championships in the 10 km walk. Represented Italy at multiple Olympic Games, showcasing talent in race walking events. Achieved personal bests that remained competitive in the sport. Contributed to the development of race walking in Italy through participation in various national and international events.

Continue Reading

Raymond McCreesh

Irish Republican hunger striker
Born
February 25th, 1957 68 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1981 43 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 Reading

Giuseppe Baini

Italian priest and music composer
Born
October 21st, 1775 249 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1844 180 years ago — 68 years old

A priest and composer, contributed to the development of Italian sacred music in the 19th century. Served in various religious roles while pursuing a career in music and music criticism. Composed several liturgical works and became an influential figure in the ecclesiastical music scene. Worked on historic musicological studies and contributed to a greater understanding of liturgical practices and music during his time.

Continue Reading

Robert Gist

American actor and director of films
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1998 26 years ago — 81 years old

Acted in and directed various films and television shows during the mid-20th century. Gained recognition for performances in television series such as 'The Twilight Zone' and 'Perry Mason'. Directed films including 'The Young Savages'. Worked extensively in the theater before transitioning to film and television. Contributed to the arts through direction and performance and was active in the industry for several decades, leaving a mark in both acting and directing.

Continue Reading

José de la Riva Agüero

Peruvian soldier and 1st President of Peru
Born
May 3rd, 1783 241 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1858 166 years ago — 75 years old

A soldier and politician from Peru, served as the first President of Peru from 1823 to 1824. Held the position of the second President of North Peru in 1836. His leadership occurred during a turbulent period of political instability in early Peruvian history. Initiated significant political reforms during presidency but faced challenges in governance. Resigned from presidency after conflicts with congress and was later involved in regional politics. His presidency marked one of the first attempts at establishing a centralized government in Peru after independence from Spain.

Continue Reading

Wang Anshi

Chinese economist and chancellor
Born
December 8th, 1021 1003 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1086 938 years ago — 64 years old

An influential Chinese economist and chancellor, focused on reforming the Sung dynasty's economic policies. Implemented the New Policies, which aimed to stabilize the economy, improve agricultural productivity, and expand state control over tax collection. These reforms included the promotion of state-sponsored loans and the establishment of a better government procurement system for grain. Writings on economic theory, governance, and philosophy contributed extensively to intellectual discourse during his time and afterward.

Continue Reading