May 23

Born in Condé-sur-Noireau, France, in 1790, d'Urville entered the French navy and quickly distinguished himself in mapping voyages to Australia and the Pacific. He commanded the Astrolabe on a major expedition from 1826 to 1829, charting coastlines and collecting botanical specimens. His discovery of Adélie Land in 1840 earned him recognition as one of the first explorers to set foot on Antarctica. d'Urville's meticulous journals and scientific observations enriched European knowledge of geography, natural history, and ethnography. He also conducted diplomatic missions and surveys in South America, showcasing his versatility as an explorer. A tragic fire aboard the Astrolabe in 1842 claimed his life at sea, but his legacy endured through his published maps and writings that inspired future polar explorers.

Hélène Boucher was a French aviator celebrated for her daring flights and record-breaking performances. Born in 1908, she earned her pilot's license in 1931 and quickly became known for her precision and skill. In 1934, she set the women's world speed record by flying over 445 km/h in a Caudron aircraft. Boucher won numerous air races and was admired for breaking gender barriers in aviation. Tragically, her promising career ended when she died in a crash during a speed competition later that year at the age of 26. She remains an enduring icon of early aviation and a symbol of perseverance and talent.