Some of the most crucial (and most difficult) computations in the field of space travel are used to determine the trajectories and orbits of rockets and other types of space vehicles.
One simple mistake can cause a spacecraft to miss a planned rendezvous with another vehicle or even miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit and explore a comet or some other heavenly body that’s hurtling through space.
And in some situations a mistake in these calculations can even cost the crew members their lives.
Back when space pioneers like Alan Shepard and John Glenn were gearing up for their historic flights, they depended on an amazing lady named Katherine Johnson to calculate the trajectories and orbits of their crafts – by hand.
As you probably know, the California Gold Rush created tremendous wealth and made lots of people rich.
Can you imagine what your life would be like if you had the ability to remember virtually every little detail that ever happened on every day of your life?
You’ve no doubt seen this picture of Sammy Griner, the cute little toddler sporting the confident and determined look that has inspired thousands of Internet memes since the photo was taken in 2007.
If you’re like most folks you’ve probably daydreamed about breaking a Guinness World Record and having your name written in that famous book.