October 23

Born in 1813 in Prussia, Ludwig Leichhardt studied natural sciences before emigrating to Australia in 1842. His most famous journey (1844–1845) led him across the continent from Moreton Bay to Port Essington, covering over 4,800 kilometers. He cataloged thousands of plant and animal specimens, contributing significantly to zoology and botany. In 1848, he embarked on a final expedition towards the Swan River but mysteriously disappeared. His fate remains one of Australia's enduring exploration mysteries.

Born in 1899 in Norway, Bernt Balchen served as a pilot in the Norwegian Army Air Service during World War I. He emigrated to the United States and became a naturalized citizen, working with Admiral Richard Byrd. In 1929, Balchen co-piloted the first flight to the South Pole, pioneering cold-weather aviation techniques. During World War II, he led air transport operations in Greenland and trained Arctic pilots. His innovations in navigation and survival in extreme conditions revolutionized polar exploration. Balchen's contributions earned him numerous awards before his death in 1973.