Charles Thomson Rees Wilson was a Scottish physicist born on February 27, 1869. He is best known for inventing the cloud chamber, a device that allows scientists to visualize the paths of charged particles. This invention significantly advanced the field of particle physics and helped in the discovery of various subatomic particles. Wilson's work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1927 for his contributions to the study of ionization and the development of the cloud chamber. He also made important contributions to meteorology and was involved in the study of atmospheric phenomena, further showcasing his diverse scientific interests.