Science
Birth of Nicolaus Copernicus
Nicolaus Copernicus was born on February 19, 1473, in Thorn, Poland.
Launch of Explorer I
Late in the evening of January 31, 1958, the US launched its first satellite, Explorer I.
The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster
On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger broke apart during the launch of its 10th mission.
Birth of Danny Thomas
Performer and philanthropist Danny Thomas was born Amos Muzyad Yaqoob Kairouz on January 6, 1912, in Deerfield, Michigan. In addition to his successful performing career, Thomas was the founder of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Mariner 2 Flies By Venus
On December 14, 1962, Mariner 2 became the first spacecraft to fly by Venus. Mariner 2 sent back a wealth of data about the planet, revealing many facts unknown up to that point.
Birth of Explorer James Cook
British explorer and navigator Captain James Cook was born on November 7, 1728 (October 27 in the Old Style calendar), in Marton, Yorkshire, England.
Death of Dante Alighieri
The “Supreme Poet” Dante Alighieri is believed to have died on September 14, 1321.
First U.S. Combination-Process Coil
On September 2, 1988, the USPS issued its first coil stamp printed by two totally different procedures.