Luis Walter Alvarez

Nobel-winning physicist who discovered the dinosaur-killing asteroid impact theory

Luis Walter Alvarez (1911–1988) made multiple paradigm-shifting contributions across physics and geology. The Nobel laureate co-discovered the K-electron capture phenomenon and developed the radar guidance system for aircraft landings.

His most famous achievement came in 1980 when he and son Walter Alvarez identified the iridium anomaly at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. This led to their revolutionary theory that an asteroid impact caused the mass extinction that wiped out dinosaurs.

Key impacts of Alvarez's work:

• Transformed understanding of evolutionary timelines
• Established impact events as geological forces
• Pioneered interdisciplinary research methods

Despite initial ridicule from paleontologists, the Alvarez hypothesis was confirmed with the discovery of Chicxulub crater. His work revolutionized how we perceive Earth's history and cosmic threats.