Blackett, Patrick Maynard Stuart (1897-1974), an English physicist, made important discoveries in cosmic radiation. In 1932, together with the Italian scientist G. P. S. Occhialini he designed the counter-controlled cloud chamber—a device that makes the paths of cosmic rays visible. Blackett speculated on the origin of the interstellar (between the stars) magnetic fields, thus reviving interest in this field. Blackett received the 1948 Nobel Prize in physics.
Patrick Maynard Stuart Blackett was born in London, on Nov. 18, 1897, and, in 1921, received his degree from Cambridge University. In 1953, he became head of the physics department of the Imperial College of Science and Technology, University of London. After his retirement in 1965, he continued at Imperial College as pro-rector and professor of physics. Blackett died on July 13, 1974.
