What Happened This Year 2020

People Who Died in 2020

Margaret Burbidge

Astrophysicist and academic pioneer
Born
August 12th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 101 years old

Contributed significantly to the understanding of stellar nucleosynthesis and galaxy formation. Played a pivotal role in the development of the Burbidge-Strong-McClure model, which explains the formation of elements in stars. Served as a professor at several prominent institutions, including the University of California, San Diego, and the University of California, Berkeley. Actively participated in numerous scientific organizations and initiatives, advocating for women in science throughout her career. Collaborated with notable scientists to produce influential research papers that shaped modern astrophysics.

Continue Reading

Eleanor Sokoloff

American pianist and music educator
Born
June 16th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 106 years old

A distinguished pianist and educator, contributions spanned performance and teaching, shaping many musicians. Served as a faculty member at Temple University's Boyer College of Music and Dance, where numerous successful students emerged. Continued to perform throughout her career, sharing her love of music. Recognized in the music community for dedication to intercultural musical education.

Continue Reading

Fred Singer

Physicist and climate change skeptic
Born
September 27th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 96 years old

This physicist emigrated from Austria to the United States, contributing significantly to atmospheric and space sciences. Worked at institutions including NASA and the University of Virginia. Instrumental in promoting the idea that climate change is not primarily driven by human activities. Published numerous articles and books, influencing discussions around environmental policy and scientific research.

Continue Reading

Soumaïla Cissé

Malian politician and engineer
Born
December 20th, 1949 75 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 71 years old

An engineer and politician from Mali entered politics in the 1990s. Served as the Minister of Finance and played an influential role in the formation of the Malian political landscape. Acted as the leader of the Union for the Republic and Democracy party. Candidated for the presidency several times, including in 2013 and 2020, highlighting commitments to democracy and governance. Held important roles in various national and international organizations.

Continue Reading

Jack Steinberger

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 25th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 99 years old

Contributed significantly to particle physics as an academic and researcher. Played a key role in the discovery of the muon neutrino in experiments conducted at CERN. His work on weak interactions in particle physics has been highly influential in the field. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1988, sharing the honor with two other physicists for contributions to the understanding of the structure of matter.

Continue Reading

Philip Warren Anderson

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 13th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 97 years old

A prominent physicist, contributed to condensed matter physics and played a crucial role in the development of the theory of localization. His research addressed disordered systems and introduced methods for understanding various phenomena in solid-state physics. Published extensively in scientific journals, influencing future research in the field. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1977 for contributions to the understanding of the electronic structure of magnetic and disordered systems. Affiliated with institutions such as Princeton University throughout an extensive academic career.

Continue Reading

Bhakti Charu Swami

Indian religious leader and author
Born
September 17th, 1945 79 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 75 years old

A prominent leader within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), served as a senior disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Played a significant role in promoting Krishna consciousness worldwide, especially in India and the West. Wrote several books on spiritual philosophy, including commentaries on the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam. Engaged in numerous community services and outreach programs to spread the teachings of Krishna.

Continue Reading

Chetan Chauhan

Indian cricketer and politician
Born
July 21st, 1947 77 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 73 years old

An accomplished cricketer and politician, contributed significantly to Indian cricket before transitioning to a political career. Played as an opening batsman for the national team during the 1970s and 1980s, participating in 40 Test matches from 1969 to 1986. Scored over 2,000 runs in Test cricket. After retiring from cricket, engaged in politics, serving as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Held various administrative positions, including Minister of State for Education in the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Continue Reading

John Baldessari

American painter and conceptual artist
Born
June 17th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent figure in conceptual art, created works that combined images and text, challenging traditional notions of art. Developed a unique style incorporating photography, painting, and installation. Notable pieces include the series 'Cremation Project' and 'I Will Not Make Any More Boring Art', which illustrated a departure from conventional aesthetics. Contributions to art education were significant, with teaching stints at various institutions.

Continue Reading