Origins & Early Life

Adam Guy Riess (born December 16, 1969) is an American astrophysicist and Bloomberg Distinguished Professor at Johns Hopkins University and the Space Telescope Science Institute. He is known for his research in using supernovae as cosmological probes. Riess shared both the 2006 Shaw Prize in Astronomy and the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics with Saul Perlmutter and Brian Schmidt for providing evidence that the expansion of the universe is accelerating. Riess has been at the center of a growing scientific debate about the so-called “Hubble tension” — a discrepancy between measurements of the universe’s expansion rate using nearby supernovae, and measurements inferred from the cosmic microwave background radiation using the Standard Model of cosmology.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Riess’s data has prompted questions and further testing to determine if the Standard Model still adequately describes the universe. Riess was born to a Jewish family in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Warren Township, New Jersey. He has two sisters: Gail Saltz, a psychiatrist, and Holly Hagerman, an artist. His father, Michael Riess (1931–2007), served in the U.S. Navy and later owned a frozen-foods distribution company; his mother...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adam Gilchrist — Contemporary (Born in 1969) (1969): Legendary Australian cricketer, redefining the wicket-keeper-batsman role with aggressive flair.
• Adrian Goldsworthy — Contemporary (Born in 1969) (1969): Prominent British historian specializing in the military aspects of Roman antiquity.
• Ali Daei — Contemporary (Born in 1969) (1969): Legendary Iranian striker, celebrated for his prolific goal-scoring record in Asian football.
• Afonso de Albuquerque — Shared historical date (12-16 · Died) (1515): Portuguese general and conquistador who built the Asian Portuguese Empire.
• Anthony Barber — Shared historical date (12-16 · Died) (2005): British Conservative politician, Chancellor of the Exchequer (1970-1974)
• Anja Andersen — Historical peer (Born in 1969) (1969): Legendary Danish handball player and coach, celebrated for her skill and competitive spirit.
• Badly Drawn Boy — Historical peer (Born in 1969) (1969): English indie singer-songwriter known by the stage name Badly Drawn Boy.
• Aaron Spelling — Historical peer (Died in 2006) (2006): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• Alfredo Stroessner — Historical peer (Died in 2006) (2006): Paraguayan military dictator who ruled from 1954 to 1989, known for repression.
• Amy Winehouse — Historical peer (Died in 2011) (2011): Iconic British soul artist blending jazz, R&B, and retro sounds.
• 1969 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1969
• December 16 (12-16) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 16