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Happy Birthday, Albert Einstein! Genius Scientist Turns 138 Years Old Today

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By Denise Chow
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Albert Einstein at the Blackboard
Albert Einstein at the blackboard. (Image credit: NASA)

It's Albert Einstein's birthday today! The famed scientist, known for his many breakthroughs in physics, would have been 138 years old today.

Einstein was born in Germany in 1879, and would go on to become one of the world's most well-known scientists. The theoretical physicist's most famous achievements include his general theory of relativity, in which he described gravity as a fundamental property of space-time, and his work on special relativity, which included his theory on the relationship between space and time. More than 60 years after Einstein's death, his research is continues to inspire new discoveries and generations of scientists. [8 Ways You Can See Einstein's Theory of Relativity in Real Life]

Einstein's famous equation E=mc^2 describes the relationship between mass and energy, and helped the physicist come to the surprising conclusion that mass and energy are interchangeable. This simple equation, which showed that mass can be converted into energy, eventually led to the development of atomic bombs and nuclear power reactors.

To honor the scientist, National Geographic Channel is airing a new 10-part television series next month titled "Genius," which details the renowned physicist's personal life and storied career. The show, starring actor Geoffrey Rush, will debut on April 25.

Original article on Live Science.

Denise Chow
Denise Chow
Live Science Contributor

Denise Chow was the assistant managing editor at Live Science before moving to NBC News as a science reporter, where she focuses on general science and climate change. Before joining the Live Science team in 2013, she spent two years as a staff writer for Space.com, writing about rocket launches and covering NASA's final three space shuttle missions. A Canadian transplant, Denise has a bachelor's degree from the University of Toronto, and a master's degree in journalism from New York University.