Who is credited with the discovery of x-rays?

The discovery of x-rays is credited to Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, a German physicist, who first observed these mysterious rays on November 8, 1895. Roentgen was experimenting with cathode rays when he noticed a fluorescent glow from a nearby screen, which was due to an unknown type of radiation. He conducted several experiments and demonstrated that this radiation could penetrate various materials, including human tissue, leading to the first medical x-ray images.

Roentgen's significant contributions to science were recognized when he received the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901 for his discovery. His work laid the foundation for the field of medical imaging and radiation safety, marking a crucial advancement in both physics and medicine. This historic achievement illustrates the immense impact that thorough experimentation and curiosity can have on scientific progress.