Get to Know
George Robert Carruthers
Discover why we turned George into a superhero
ABOUT GEORGE
Superhero Backstory
George can decode messages from the farthest reaches of the universe.
George's superpower is UV Vision. He can also see into the infrared and ultraviolet portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. He puts his superpower to use by keeping watch across the universe for nefarious aliens.
George's superpower is UV Vision. He can also see into the infrared and ultraviolet portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. He puts his superpower to use by keeping watch across the universe for nefarious aliens.
George Robert Carruthers
Occupation: Physicist
Born: 1939
Died: 2020
Nationality: American
George was an inventor, physicist, engineer and space scientist.
George was an inventive and inquisitive child. At the age of 10 he built his first telescope out of cardboard tubing and lenses purchased using money he earned as a delivery boy. He quickly became an amateur astronomer. George received his PhD in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from the University of Illinois.
He became an expert in ultraviolet radiation and his first major contribution was to lead the team that invented the far ultraviolet camera/spectrograph. This camera enabled the taking of 200 UV "photos," including views of newly discovered stars and nebulae.
Born: 1939
Died: 2020
Nationality: American
George was an inventor, physicist, engineer and space scientist.
George was an inventive and inquisitive child. At the age of 10 he built his first telescope out of cardboard tubing and lenses purchased using money he earned as a delivery boy. He quickly became an amateur astronomer. George received his PhD in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from the University of Illinois.
He became an expert in ultraviolet radiation and his first major contribution was to lead the team that invented the far ultraviolet camera/spectrograph. This camera enabled the taking of 200 UV "photos," including views of newly discovered stars and nebulae.
Top Quarkz
George features in our signature card game, Top Quarkz. The game supports development of maths, literacy and decision making skills all while learning about some of the most impressive scientific discoveries throughout history.
We've explained the drawing and his playing card below so you can learn more about both his superhero and his real-life identity.
We've explained the drawing and his playing card below so you can learn more about both his superhero and his real-life identity.
GEORGE'S CARD EXPLAINED
George can decode messages from the farthest reaches of the universe.
This emblem is the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. George was presented the award in 2012 by President Obama.
Superpower
Discovery
George invented the ultraviolet camera for NASA to use when it launched Apollo 16 in 1972.
George was born October 1, 1939, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Location
SideKick
Henry Draper was a pioneer of astrophotography. He photographed the spectrum of Jupiter in 1880.
Ultraviolet light is not as "sharp" or powerful as the light being created from plasmas.
Weakness
Each drawing we create has one or more hidden treasure(s) about our superheroes' life experiences, depictions in art, jobs or discoveries. Did you find the ones in this drawing?
We have packed a lot into our Top Quarkz playing cards - from amazing imagined superpowers to biographical information and hidden treasures.
To right of George, is the ultraviolet camera/spectrograph that George developed for the Apollo 16 mission.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
What do physists do?
Physics is about asking fundamental questions and trying to answer them by observing and experimenting.
Video credit: ZAP Physics
Video credit: ZAP Physics
Find out more about George
How to become an Astrophysicist
Hear from Neil deGrasse Tyson on how to become an astrophysicist.
Video credit: StarTalk
Video credit: StarTalk
How do telescopes work?
George built his first telescope when he was just ten years old. Check out this great video to find out how telescopes work.
Video Credit: BBC Earth Lab
Video Credit: BBC Earth Lab
Want to make a spectroscope?
Make a homemade spectroscope with a few simple materials and explore the spectrum of different light source!
Video Credit: K2B Craft
Video Credit: K2B Craft
Did the Apollo 16 astronauts get the farts ?
Fun Fact: Apollo 16 Astronauts Got the Farts, you can find out why in this video.
Video Credit: SciShow Space
Video Credit: SciShow Space
Want to discover more? Why not watch another video about George and learn more about this is remarkable scientist, or dive into the world of our science superheroes
Discover our free educational resources and activities
This video looks at George's groundbreaking work - by US Navy Research
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