Victor Francis Hess was an Austrian physicist born on June 24, 1883. He is best known for his discovery of cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles that originate from outer space. Hess conducted experiments using balloons to measure radiation levels at different altitudes, leading to his groundbreaking findings in the early 20th century. In recognition of his contributions to science, Hess was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1936, sharing the honor with Carl D. Anderson. His work significantly advanced the understanding of cosmic radiation and its implications for both physics and astronomy. Hess passed away on December 17, 1964.