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Posts by
Elizabeth Howell
Great Meteor Procession 110 years ago
On February 9, 1913, lucky observers witnessed the Great Meteor Procession. Bright meteors soared horizontally across the sky for minutes at a time.
February 9, 2023
Voyager 2 launched 45 years ago
Voyager 2 realized the vision of what was originally called a Grand Tour of the outer solar system. It is the only craft that has visited all 4 outer planets.
August 20, 2022
Baily’s beads seen during a solar eclipse
May 15, 1836: Francis Baily, an English astronomer, saw light shining through lunar ridges during an eclipse of the sun. These are now known as Baily's beads.
May 15, 2022
This date in science: America and Russia meet in space
On July 17, 1975, a famous first handshake between nations in space.
July 17, 2015
This date in science: Paris Metro begins operations
First subway system in France and second-busiest in Europe today. But its early days were not without controversy.
June 19, 2014
Today science: Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen
Here's why climbers use supplemental oxygen to climb Mount Everest. Also, the curtailment of the 2014 Everest climbing season following a deadly avalanche.
May 8, 2014
Largest volcanic eruption in recorded history
On April 10, 1815, Mount Tambora sent so much crud into the atmosphere that it blocked the sun. What became known as the Year Without a Summer came a year later, in 1816.
April 10, 2014
This date in science: A record-setting dive into the deepest ocean
On January, 23, 1960, the bathyscaphe Trieste made a record-setting dive to the deepest known part of the ocean.
January 23, 2014
This date in science: Carl Ritter, one of first modern geographers, born
On August 7, 1779, Carl Ritter, considered one of the first modern geographers, was born.
August 7, 2013
This date in science: First U.S. patent issued
The first U.S. patent was for a new method of making potash, an early industrial chemical, used to make soap and other products.
July 31, 2013
