Robert Woodrow Wilson Autograph

Profession:
(1936-) American astronomer who, along with Arno Allan Penzias, discovered cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) in 1964. The pair won the 1978 Nobel prize in physics for their discovery.

Year of Birth: 1936

Robert Woodrow Wilson was born on January 10, 1936, in Houston, Texas. He displayed an early interest and aptitude for science and mathematics, and this passion only grew as he advanced through his education. Wilson attended Rice University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1957.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Wilson pursued a graduate degree at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). It was during his time at Caltech that he became involved in groundbreaking research in the field of cosmology. Wilson and his colleague, Arno Penzias, discovered cosmic microwave background radiation in 1965, which provided evidence for the Big Bang theory. Their discovery earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1978.

Following his groundbreaking research, Wilson continued to contribute to the field of cosmology and astrophysics. He became a key player in the development of the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) satellite, which launched in 1989 and provided crucial data on the radiation left over from the Big Bang.

Throughout his career, Wilson held prestigious positions and received numerous awards for his contributions to the field of physics. He served as the chairman of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Physical Society. He was also elected to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Wilson retired from his professorship at Bell Laboratories in 1994 but remained active in scientific research and education. He continued to teach at various institutions and served as a mentor to aspiring young physicists.

Robert Woodrow Wilson's groundbreaking research and contributions to the field of cosmology have had a significant impact on our understanding of the universe. His dedication and passion for scientific discovery continue to inspire future generations of scientists.