Helge Ingstad was a Norwegian explorer and writer, born on December 30, 1899, in Oslo, Norway. He is best known for his discovery of the Viking settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada, which provided evidence of Norse exploration in North America around the year 1000 AD. Ingstad's work significantly contributed to the understanding of Viking history and their voyages across the Atlantic. He published several books on his findings and experiences, helping to popularize the story of the Vikings and their impact on world history. He passed away on December 8, 2001.