Robert Ballard
1942– · American (Kansas) · Modern Era
Known for: Discovered the wreck of the Titanic and hydrothermal vents—the most famous deep-sea explorer alive
Ballard is a former Navy intelligence officer who developed the technologies that enabled the discovery of the Titanic at 12,500 feet in 1985. He later found the Bismarck, the Lusitania, and PT-109.
He also discovered hydrothermal vents and their unique ecosystems—one of the most important biological discoveries of the 20th century. He is charismatic, media-savvy, and passionate about ocean exploration. He founded the JASON Project to inspire students in science.
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