1922-

Swiss Oceanic Engineer and Physicist

Jacques Piccard, born on July 28,1922, is an oceanic engineer and physicist who assisted his father, Auguste Piccard, in building the bathyscaph for deep-sea exploration. This submarine-like vessel allowed scientists to explore the deepest depths of the ocean and has provided information on ocean temperature, animal life, and useful geophysical information.

Jacques, at an early age, was introduced to both air and sea by both his father and uncle. Auguste and Jean-Felix Piccard were intensely interested in science and became fascinated with lighter-than-air balloons. In 1931, Auguste gained worldwide attention by making the first balloon ascent into the stratosphere at over 51,000 feet (15,545 m) to study cosmic rays from distant stars. He flew in a spherical gondola that could carry two people above 40,000 feet (12,192 m) without the need for pressurized suits.

Jacques spent most of his early childhood participating in the...