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Wasserburg Gerald

Mar 25, 1927

Rating : AA (Data from a birth certificate)

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  • Scorpio
    Moon Sign
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  • Pisces
    Sun Sign
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  • Sagitarius
    Lagan

Events Events

Social : Joined group 1943 (Joined the army)

Social : Left group April 1946 (Left the army) chart Placidus Equal_H.

Relationship : Marriage 21 December 1951 (Long term relationship) chart Placidus Equal_H.

Social : End a program of study 1954 (Received his Ph.D.)

Ai Generated Biography Biography

American geophysicist who serves as a professor of geology and geophysics at the California Institute of Technology and heads a division of the Institutes Charles Arms Laboratory of Geological Sciences. At the lab, he has produced some of the most critical measurements in the history of geophysics, significantly influencing theories about the creation of the solar system. Being pugnacious, hyper and a high school dropout, he also forged a birth certificate and enlisted in the army from 1943 to 4/1946; he was decorated for bravery under fire. In 1954, he received his Ph.D. He is noted as an egomaniac and scientific compulsive. On 12/21/1951 he married; two sons. The family has a rambling house in Altadena, CA, not too far from the Cal Tech campus. Link to Wikipedia biography Read less

bio Latest Info with AI

Update at: Jul 6, 2025
`` Gerald Wasserburg Profile

Gerald J. Wasserburg (1927-2016)

Gerald J. Wasserburg, born on March 25, 1927, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, was a prominent geochemist and professor at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He passed away on June 13, 2016.

Scientific Contributions

Wasserburg made significant contributions to the fields of isotope geochemistry, cosmochemistry, and geochronology. He was renowned for his development of high-precision mass spectrometry techniques, enabling accurate measurements of isotopic ratios in rocks and minerals. His work revolutionized our understanding of the early solar system, planetary formation, and the geological history of the Earth and Moon. Notably, he collaborated with colleagues to develop the Lunatic Asylum, a laboratory at Caltech dedicated to analyzing lunar samples brought back by the Apollo missions.

Key areas of his research included:

  • Development and application of the 87Rb-87Sr dating method.
  • Studies of isotopic anomalies in meteorites, providing insights into nucleosynthesis and early solar system processes.
  • Analysis of lunar samples, contributing to our understanding of the Moon's formation and evolution.
  • Development of the 176Lu-176Hf decay system for dating geological events.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his illustrious career, Wasserburg received numerous prestigious awards, including the Arthur L. Day Medal (Geological Society of America), the V. M. Goldschmidt Award (Geochemical Society), the National Medal of Science, and the Crafoord Prize in Geosciences.

Legacy

Gerald Wasserburg’s pioneering work transformed the field of geochemistry and continues to influence scientific research today. His dedication to precise measurement and insightful interpretation of isotopic data left a lasting legacy, shaping our understanding of the Earth, Moon, and solar system. He was known for his rigorous scientific approach, his mentorship of numerous students and postdocs, and his vibrant personality.

Information about his social media presence or recent projects prior to his passing in 2016 is not readily available via standard online search methods. Archives at Caltech may hold more specific information about his activities during the later years of his life.

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