Yakov Borisovich Zel'dovich

Yakov Borisovich Zel'dovich was a prominent Russian physicist and astrophysicist known for his groundbreaking contributions to cosmology, theoretical physics, and engineering. He played a key role in developing ideas about the evolution of the universe, black holes, and nuclear reactions. His work significantly advanced our understanding of the early universe, particularly regarding the Big Bang and the formation of galaxies. Zel'dovich was also instrumental in the Soviet space program and made important contributions to the theory of combustion and explosions. His legacy is marked by a deep impact on both theoretical astrophysics and applied science.