October 06

Martin Behaim was a German navigator, geographer, and cartographer. He participated in Portuguese voyages along the West African coast. In 1492, he created the Erdapfel, the oldest surviving terrestrial globe. His globe reflects the geographical knowledge of the late 15th century before Columbus’s return. Behaim's work marks a milestone in the history of cartography and navigation.

Willy Merkl (1900–1934) was a German mountaineer renowned for his Himalayan expeditions in the early 20th century. He organized and led major climbs on Nanga Parbat, aiming to reach its summit for the first time. His 1932 attempt, though unsuccessful, advanced high-altitude mountaineering techniques and equipment. Merkl returned in 1934 and tragically lost his life during another ascent amid severe weather. His bravery and dedication inspired future generations of climbers taking on the world's highest peaks.

Thor Heyerdahl gained international fame in 1947 when he sailed a hand-built balsawood raft, the Kon-Tiki, from Peru to Polynesia to prove ancient transoceanic contact. His daring voyage challenged accepted theories of migration and captivated public imagination. Heyerdahl authored several bestselling books and documentaries detailing his expeditions, including the Ra and Tigris voyages. He combined anthropology, archaeology, and experimental methods to test historical hypotheses. Heyerdahl’s charismatic leadership and lectures around the world inspired a new generation of explorers. His adventurous spirit left a lasting legacy in both scientific research and popular culture.

Born in Luoyang, Henan Province, Liu Yang was selected as one of China's first female astronauts in 2010. In June 2012, she flew aboard Shenzhou 9, piloting the spacecraft to dock with the Tiangong-1 space station. During the mission, she conducted experiments in fluid physics and life sciences under microgravity conditions. For her achievements, Liu was honored with the title of Hero Astronaut and awarded the Order of August 1. She remains an advocate for STEM education and a symbol of China's expanding role in human spaceflight.