Science & Industry

What Happened On January 28th? January 28, 1986 changed the course of space exploration forever. On this morning, the Space Shuttle Challenger, carrying seven astronauts, tragically exploded just 73 seconds after liftoff. Falling from 65,000 feet in the sky, the orbiter crashed into the Atlantic Ocean at 200 miles per hour. The Challenger's final mission, designated STS-51-L, included a diverse crew of astronauts, notably Christa McAuliffe, who would have been the first private citizen and teacher in space. The launch had already been delayed due to technical issues and unusually cold temperatures. Yet, decisions were called to proceed, which raised apprehensions among NASA engineers. At 11:38 am EST, the Challenger lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island Florida. Tr...

What Happened On January 22nd? Imagine stepping outside on a frosty winter morning, bundled up against the -4°F (-20°C) bite of the air. Two minutes later, the temperature soars to a chilly, but comfortable 45°F (+7°C). Sounds impossible, right? Yet, that's exactly what happened in Spearfish, South Dakota on this day in 1943 as the fastest temperature change ever was recorded in meteorological history! How on earth did the temperature jump 49°F (27°C) in just two minutes? This increase in temperature wasn't due to some sci-fi anomaly, but to a powerful and capricious weather phenomenon known as a chinook wind. These warm, dry winds, often descend from the Rocky Mountains, can abruptly alter temperatures, sometimes even raising them by tens of degrees in minutes. But even fo...

What Happened On January 15th? Today in the year 2001, the game-changing site, Wikipedia was launched. Created as an online encyclopedia, Wikipedia revolutionized the way information is created, shared, and accessed, even today! Still, Wikipedia stands as one of the most visited websites globally, with over a billion edits across 17.6 million articles! It has become a necessary part of digital information today, as it embodies open collaboration, accessibility, and the democratization of knowledge. Who Founded It? Wikipedia was co-founded by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger. Frustrated by the limitations of traditional encyclopedias and inspired by the potential of collaborative technology, the project aimed to create a freely accessible, edited repository of knowledge that anyone could benef...

What Happened On January 7th? Galileo Galilei's initial observance of Jupiter's moons on today's date is an essential moment in astronomy history, enhancing our understanding of the celestial bodies. With this discovery in early January 1610, our perception of the cosmos would forever be altered. Armed with his newly crafted telescope crafted by Hans Lippershey, Galileo turned his gaze toward the night sky, engaging in a systematic study of the planets. On the night of January 7, 1610, he directed his telescope towards Jupiter, and to his astonishment, he discerned three small, star-like points of light near the giant planet. Subsequent observations in the following nights revealed a fourth point of light. Recognizing the profound implications of these observations, Galileo concluded tha...

What Happened On January 5th? In the early 21st century, the technological capabilities of astronomical observatories had advanced significantly, enabling astronomers to survey the far reaches of the Kuiper Belt—an expanse of icy bodies beyond Neptune. It was during this exploration that a team led by astronomer Mike Brown at the California Institute of Technology made an unbelievable observation on January 5, 2005. The discovery of Eris was not just about identifying another celestial body; it was about recognizing a substantial player in the outer reaches of our solar system. Eris, initially known as 2003 UB313, was found to be slightly smaller than Pluto but possessed a mass greater than our previously ninth and furthest planet. Eris is composed mainly of ice and rock, typical of object...

What Happened On January 3rd? In the annals of horology on January 3, 1957, the first electric watch became commercially available. This release to the public revolutionized the way we perceive and wear timepieces in our day and age, transforming traditional mechanical watches to a new era of electronic innovation. The first electric watch entered the market and made an impact on the watchmaking industry as a whole. For centuries, watchmakers relied on intricate mechanical movements to power timepieces. The advent of the electric watch represented a departure from this long-standing tradition, introducing a more precise and reliable method of timekeeping. The Hamilton Electric 500 Entered The very first electric watch model holds the distinction of being the first available for public pur...

What Happened On December 31st? In the world of celestial wonders, December 31st is a rare spectacle—the convergence of a Blue Moon and a lunar eclipse. The year 2009 gifted sky gazers with a truly extraordinary experience as these two celestial phenomena coincided on a single, magical day. Blue Moon: A Blue Moon occurs when two full moons illuminate the night sky within the span of a single calendar month. The second full moon is dubbed a "Blue Moon," and while it doesn't actually change color, the rarity of the event captures the imagination of observers. Lunar Eclipse: A lunar eclipse unfolds when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that engulfs the lunar surface. This passing takes the moon through various phases of shadow and light. On the last ...

What Happened On December 28th? Breaking medical history on December 28, 1981, the first American baby was conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and entered the world. The birth of the baby, Elizabeth Jordan Carr, provided hope to countless couples struggling with infertility. Not only did the birth demonstrate the power of perseverance, but it also sparked a revolution in reproductive technologies. The process was not easy; it required scientific curiosity, determination, and collaboration. Dr. Howard Jones and Dr. Georgeanna Jones, pioneers in the field of reproductive medicine, were instrumental in bringing IVF to the United States. Their efforts were part of a global movement to explore alternative methods for couples facing infertility challenges. IVF involves fertiliz...

What Happened On December 9th? December 9, 1980 is upheld as an extraordinary day in the history of global health—the day when the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the abolition of smallpox. After a culmination of decades of international collaboration, scientific innovation, and tireless efforts by health workers around the world, this disease was finally extinct. On this day, humanity achieved a monumental victory over one of the most feared and devastating diseases to afflict mankind. The journey to rid the world of smallpox began in earnest in 1959 when WHO launched a global campaign to eliminate this ancient scourge. The strategy included widespread vaccination efforts, surveillance, and the development of innovative containment measures. The concerted...

What Happened On December 3rd? On today's date in 1911, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) were presented with the work of "Rational Psychrometric Formulae" by Willis H. Carrier, a pioneering American engineer." This influential presentation not only revolutionized the field of air conditioning but laid the foundation for modern HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems that have become indispensable in our daily lives. Willis Carrier's rational psychrometric formulae had an immediate and transformative impact on the field of air conditioning that we all use on a daily basis today. It allowed for precise control of indoor environments, ensuring comfort and improving productivity.