January 03

Jeremiah Horrocks was a self-taught English astronomer and mathematician whose precise calculations led to the first recorded observation of a transit of Venus. He improved upon Kepler's astronomical tables to predict the rare event on December 4, 1639, a milestone for observational astronomy. Horrocks also made significant contributions to lunar theory, proposing accurate models of the Moon's motion. His observations using a simple telescope produced detailed drawings of lunar surface features. Despite dying at age 22, his work greatly influenced later astronomers and advanced the study of celestial mechanics.

Pierre Larousse was a French lexicographer and publisher who founded the Larousse publishing house. Born in Toucy in 1817, he dedicated his life to compiling comprehensive dictionaries of the French language. In 1863, he began publishing the Grand Dictionnaire Universel du XIXe Siècle, a monumental work that spanned 17 volumes. He also initiated the Petit Larousse Illustré, which was first released posthumously and remains a beloved reference today. Larousse's vision democratized access to language and knowledge, influencing generations of scholars and readers.

Carl Runge was a German physicist and mathematician born in Bremen in 1856. He made foundational contributions to numerical analysis, spectroscopy, and potential theory. Along with Martin Kutta, he developed the Runge–Kutta methods for solving ordinary differential equations numerically. Runge's work in spectroscopy led to the identification of spectral lines and advanced the understanding of atomic structures. He served as a professor at the University of Göttingen, mentoring future luminaries such as James Franck. Runge died in 1927, and his methods continue to underpin computational techniques in science and engineering.

Eric P. Kelly (1884–1960) was an American journalist and historian who taught at Dartmouth College for over thirty years. He authored the Newbery Medal-winning novel The Trumpeter of Krakow and several other historical works aimed at young readers. Kelly began his career in journalism before transitioning to academia, focusing on medieval and Renaissance history. His accessible writing style blended scholarly research with engaging storytelling, bringing European history to life for American audiences. He received numerous awards for his contributions to literature and education.

Reginald Punnett (1875–1967) was a pioneering British geneticist whose work established key principles of modern genetics. He co-founded the Journal of Genetics and introduced the Punnett square, a simple yet powerful tool for predicting the inheritance of traits. Punnett collaborated with William Bateson to champion Mendelian genetics and published the influential textbook Mendelism. His research extended to genetic linkage and breeding experiments in plants and animals. As a professor at Cambridge University, he mentored future luminaries in the biological sciences and helped shape genetics as a distinct scientific discipline.

Sergei Sobolev (1909–1989) was a Soviet mathematician whose groundbreaking research in functional analysis gave rise to the concept of Sobolev spaces. His work provided foundational tools for the modern theory of partial differential equations and numerical analysis. Sobolev studied at Leningrad State University and later led research institutes, influencing generations of mathematicians. He authored key texts that remain standard references in mathematical physics and engineering. Sobolev's contributions were instrumental in advancing computational methods and theoretical frameworks in applied mathematics. He received numerous honors, including the Lenin Prize and membership in the USSR Academy of Sciences. His legacy endures in the widespread application of Sobolev spaces across mathematics and science.

Satish Dhawan (1920–2002) was an Indian aerospace engineer who served as chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from 1972 to 1984. Under his leadership, India developed its first experimental satellite launch vehicle and launched Aryabhata, the nation's first satellite. Dhawan emphasized indigenous research and fostered collaboration between academic institutions and government. He was a professor and later vice-chancellor at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, nurturing a generation of scientists and engineers. Dhawan received the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, for his contributions to science and technology. He promoted a vision of science-driven national development and inspired a culture of rigorous experimentation. His legacy lives on in India's thriving space program and scientific community.

Gustavo Becerra-Schmidt (1925–2010) was a prolific Chilean composer, educator, and musicologist, recognized for integrating indigenous and folk elements into contemporary composition. He studied in Germany under Reinhard Schwarz-Schilling and returned to Chile to teach at the University of Chile for several decades. Becerra-Schmidt’s oeuvre spans orchestral works, chamber music, and vocal compositions addressing social and political themes. As a professor, he mentored generations of Latin American composers and influenced the region’s musical identity. He founded and directed numerous musical institutions, championing modern music throughout South America. His compositions are celebrated for their emotional depth and innovative use of sound. Becerra-Schmidt remained active in academia and composition until his death in 2010.

Mary Daly (1928–2010) was a pioneering American theologian, philosopher, and academic activist known for her groundbreaking work in feminist theology. A professor at Boston College until 1999, she authored influential books such as Beyond God the Father and Gyn/Ecology, critiquing patriarchal structures within Christianity. Daly’s scholarship combined critique with visionary calls for a new, inclusive spirituality. Her work inspired generations of theologians and women’s rights activists worldwide. After leaving institutional academia, she continued teaching and lecturing at independent women’s centers. Daly’s legacy is marked by her fearless intellectual rigor and commitment to social justice. She died in January 2010, leaving a profound impact on theology and feminist thought.

Ivan Mackerle led expeditions across deserts, jungles, and swamps in search of cryptids such as the Mongolian death worm and the Loch Ness Monster. He documented his investigations in books and articles that blended field reports with local legends. Mackerle's adventurous spirit and meticulous note-taking made him a key figure in 20th-century cryptozoology. His accounts were featured in television documentaries, sparking both wonder and controversy. Though mainstream scientists often criticized his methods, his work continues to inspire enthusiasts of natural mysteries.

George Goodman initially worked as an economist before turning to writing and broadcasting. Under the pen name Adam Smith, he wrote bestselling books like "The Money Game," illuminating Wall Street with humor and clarity. He hosted programs on public television, making market analysis accessible to a general audience. Goodman contributed articles to leading financial publications and appeared as a commentator on news outlets. His work bridged academic and popular approaches to finance, earning him a loyal following.

Martin Anderson was born on February 6, 1936 in Phoenix, Arizona. He earned a Ph.D. in economics from Stanford University and served as deputy assistant to President Richard Nixon. Anderson became President Ronald Reagan's first chief domestic policy adviser in 1981, shaping early supply-side tax reforms. He founded the Public Policy Institute and wrote extensively on welfare and tax policy. Known for his influential books on Social Security reform, he impacted conservative economic thought for decades. Anderson passed away on January 3, 2015 at the age of 78.