George Carruthers

Black History Spotlight: Day #26

Contribution: Scientist who helped reveal the mysteries of space.

Age: 81 (1939 - 2020)

Mini Bio:

George Carruthers created a special camera that was used in 1972 during the Apollo 16 flight to the moon. His invention is called the “Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph.” It let scientists learn a lot about the earth’s atmosphere. The camera also allowed scientists to see ultraviolet images of more than 550 stars, nebulae, and galaxies. George was awarded NASA’s Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal for this project. He also developed other inventions, including a camera that captured an image of Halley’s Comet.

George built his first telescope when he was only 10 years old.
His dad was an engineer who encouraged George’s interest in science.
George’s dad died when George was 12. His mom moved the family to Chicago.
In high school, George won first prize at a science fair for another telescope he built.
George became a physicist at a center for space research in Washington, D.C.
He was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by President Obama.