I decided that in honor of my own birthday, I’d see which scientists also blew out candles on this spot on the calendar. (Okay, so I guess it’s a day late.)

My cosmic alignment is pretty distinguished. Francis Crick, co-discoverer of the DNA double helix was born on June 8, 1916. I also share a birthday with Giovanni Domenico Cassini, the Italian astronomer who co-discovered Jupiter’s Red Spot back in the 17th century. Yes, all those Cassini space missions are named for him.

But those aren’t the only distinguished scientist birthdays this week. For all of you June 11th babies, you share your day with Jacques Cousteau.

Update on June 10th- I initially missed a big scientist birthday this week. The biologist E. O. Wilson celebrates his 80th birthday today!