George Carruthers
Inventor of a space telescope that observed Earth and the stars.
Their Story
George Carruthers was an African American physicist and engineer who designed instruments for studying ultraviolet light. He built a special camera and telescope that astronauts used on the Moon during the Apollo program. His work helped scientists learn more about Earth's atmosphere and the universe.
Era
1900s
Field
Aerospace & Optics
George Carruthers
Inventor of a space telescope that observed Earth and the stars.
Engineering · Aerospace & Optics · 1900s · Black Innovators
Their Story
George Carruthers was an African American physicist and engineer who designed instruments for studying ultraviolet light. He built a special camera and telescope that astronauts used on the Moon during the Apollo program. His work helped scientists learn more about Earth's atmosphere and the universe.
Key Innovation
Designed an ultraviolet camera/telescope used on the Moon during the Apollo missions.
Why It Matters Today
His instruments helped launch the field of space-based observation that telescopes still use today.
Learn More
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Carruthers
Wilkinson STEM Education Foundation · 251 American Innovators · wilkinsonstemfoundation.org
