Origins & Early Life

Karl Guthe Jansky (October 22, 1905 – February 14, 1950) was an American physicist and radio engineer who in April 1933 first announced his discovery of radio waves emanating from the Milky Way in the constellation Sagittarius. An amateur astronomer, he is considered one of the founding figures of radio astronomy. Karl Guthe Jansky was born 1905 in what was then the Territory of Oklahoma where his father, Cyril M. Jansky, was dean of the college of engineering at the University of Oklahoma at Norman.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Cyril M. Jansky, born in Wisconsin of Czech immigrants, had started teaching at the age of sixteen. He was a teacher throughout his active life, retiring as professor of electrical engineering at the University of Wisconsin. He was an engineer with a strong interest in physics, a trait passed on to his sons. Karl Jansky was named after Dr.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Karl Eugen Guthe, a professor of physics at the University of Michigan who had been an important mentor to Cyril M. Jansky. Karl Jansky's mother, born Nellie Moreau, was of French and English descent. Karl's brother Cyril Jansky Jr., who was ten years older, helped build some of the earliest radio transmitters in the country, including...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ayn Rand — Contemporary (Born in 1905) (1905): Philosopher and author known for developing the system of Objectivism.
• Bob Wills — Contemporary (Born in 1905) (1905): Pioneering Western Swing bandleader, known as the King of Western Swing.
• Bruno Rossi — Contemporary (Born in 1905) (1905): Pioneering experimental physicist known for cosmic ray research and WWII contributions.
• Alan Silvestri — Contemporary (Born in 1950) (1950): Award-winning composer renowned for epic film scores, especially for blockbuster franchises.
• Arthur D. Levinson — Contemporary (Born in 1950) (1950): Prominent American businessman, former CEO of Genentech, and board member for Apple Inc.
• Billy Ocean — Contemporary (Born in 1950) (1950): Trinidadian-British R&B singer known for international hits from the 1970s to 1980s.
• 21 Savage — Shared historical date (10-22 · Born) (1992): Atlanta-based rapper known for his distinctive style and career evolution.
• Baby Keem — Shared historical date (10-22 · Born) (2000): American rapper and record producer known for eclectic sound and major collaborations.
• Alan Parker — Shared historical date (02-14 · Born) (1944): Acclaimed English filmmaker known for genre versatility and numerous BAFTA and Golden Globe wins.
• Babur — Shared historical date (02-14 · Born) (1483): Founder of the Mughal Empire in South Asia, a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan.
• 1905 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1905
• October 22 (10-22) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 22
• 1950 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1950
• February 14 (02-14) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 14