Robert Ballard

Description: (Retired US Navy Officer and Oceanographer Who Discovered the Wrecks of the 'RMS Titanic' in 1985)

Dr. Robert Ballard is among the most accomplished deep-sea explorers and is best known for the remarkable discoveries of ancient shipwrecks, the most popular ones being, the RMS Titanic and the German battleship, ‘Bismarck’. During his long career, he has conducted more than 120 deep-sea explorations using the latest expedition technology and is also a forerunner in the early use of deep-diving submersibles. Apart from deep-sea exploration, he has pioneered distance learning courses in America and around the world, with the JASON project; an award-winning instructive program that reaches out to more than 1 million science students and deep-sea enthusiasts. He has received prestigious awards from the Explorers Club and the National Geographic Society and was also recently made the president of the Institute of Exploration. Nowadays, he tours with his newfangled explorer ship, the ‘EN Nautilus’ and spends around five to six months out in the big blue, exploring the likes of the Atlantic Ocean, the Aegean, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. The love for oceans, his prolific writing skills and his passion for designing new technological vessels, has made him one of the most illustrious and celebrated personalities in the world of marine geology and archaeology. Scroll further for more interesting information on this personality.

Overview

Birthday June 30, 1942 (Cancer)
Alternative names Robert Duane Ballard
City Wichita, Kansas
Spouse/Ex- Barbra Ballard (m. 1991), Marjorie Jacobsen (m. 1966–1990)
Parents Harriet Nell Ballard
Chet Ballard

Did you know

What major discovery is Robert Ballard famous for? Robert Ballard is famous for discovering the wreckage of the Titanic in 1985.
How did Robert Ballard become interested in ocean exploration? Robert Ballard became interested in ocean exploration after reading Jules Verne's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" as a child.
What other famous shipwrecks has Robert Ballard discovered? In addition to the Titanic, Robert Ballard has discovered the wrecks of the Bismarck, USS Yorktown, and USS Indianapolis.
What innovative technology did Robert Ballard use to discover the Titanic? Robert Ballard used remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) equipped with cameras to discover the Titanic wreckage.
Has Robert Ballard contributed to marine conservation efforts? Yes, Robert Ballard has been involved in marine conservation efforts, including establishing marine protected areas and advocating for ocean exploration and preservation.
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