Google, the search engine giant, on Tuesday paid tribute to Amelia Mary Earhart

Google, the search engine giant, on Tuesday paid tribute to Amelia Mary Earhart, an American author and aviation enthusiast, with a doodle on her 115th birthday. The aviatrix created history by becoming the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean alone.

Amelia Mary Earhart was born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kansas. From her childhood days, she was extremely interested in adventurous activities. Her fascination with aircrafts took flight at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, when she was 10 years old.

As she grew, her interest in flying deepened and in 1921 she had her first flying lessons. To look much like the other female flyers, she even underwent a complete image transformation.

On October 22, 1922, Amelia Earhart set a world record by flying her Airster to an altitude of 14,000 feet (4,300 m), a rare feat among female pilots. Her passion towards flying increased and she started undertaking long solo flying journeys.

Amelia Mary Earhart, on May 20, 1932, made an attempt to fly to Paris was, unfortunately, confronted by unfavourable weather conditions, compelling her to land at Culmore, north of Derry, Northern Ireland, which is now home to a small museum named as the Amelia Earhart Centre.

Although she had made several records in flying, she is best remembered as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean without stopping. For her determination and courage, Earhart was honoured by various governments with titles. Her life was full of adventure and inspiration, which also brought her fame and reverence from high offices of her country.

Her death still remains an unsolved mystery and several theories have evolved pertaining to it. On July 2, 1937, Earhart along with her navigator Noonan set out from Lae towards Howland Island. But mysteriously, their plane vanished on its way and the last known position to have reported was recorded near the Nukumanu Islands. Search exercises were carried out in vain and no trace was found of the great pilot. Eventually, on January 5, 1939, Earhart was declared legally dead because of her prolonged absence.