Astronomers discovered Eris, a dwarf planet larger than Pluto
The discovery of this massive object in the outer solar system triggered a crisis in astronomy that led to Pluto being reclassified as a dwarf planet...
Historical Events
2005
1994
Nancy Kerrigan was attacked by an assailant hired by rival figure skater Tonya Harding's ex-husband
MajorIn one of sports' most infamous scandals, Kerrigan was clubbed on the knee after practice in Detroit. The attack was orchestrated by Harding's ex-husb...
1975
The TV show 'Wheel of Fortune' premiered on NBC with host Chuck Woolery
The iconic game show launched with a different host and format than most remember. Chuck Woolery hosted until 1981, when Pat Sajak took over. The show...
1945
A Japanese submarine sank the SS Alcoa Puritan off the coast of Delaware
In one of the last U-boat attacks near American shores, a Japanese sub torpedoed and sank the cargo ship, killing all 54 crew members. The attack occu...
1941
Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his 'Four Freedoms' speech to Congress
MajorIn his State of the Union address, FDR outlined four fundamental freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from...
1929
Mother Teresa arrived in Calcutta to begin her work with India's poor
The 18-year-old nun arrived in India for the first time, initially to teach at a girls' school. It would be nearly two decades before she received her...
1912
New Mexico became the 47th state of the United States
After 62 years as a territory, New Mexico finally achieved statehood. President William Howard Taft signed the proclamation making it official, just w...
1907
Maria Montessori opened her first school, Casa dei Bambini, in Rome
The pioneering educator launched her revolutionary child-centered teaching method in a slum district of Rome. Her innovative approach emphasized indep...
1896
Utah was admitted as the 45th state after agreeing to ban polygamy
After six attempts spanning 46 years, Utah finally achieved statehood when the Mormon church officially renounced plural marriage. The territorial gov...
1838
Samuel Morse successfully demonstrated the electric telegraph for the first time
MajorMorse sent his first public message using his new electromagnetic telegraph system at the Speedwell Iron Works in New Jersey. This demonstration would...
1759
George Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis
The future first president married the wealthy widow in a lavish ceremony at her estate. Martha brought considerable wealth to the marriage, including...
1540
King Henry VIII married his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves
Henry VIII wed the German princess based on a flattering portrait by Hans Holbein, but upon meeting her in person, he reportedly called her a 'Flander...
1412
Joan of Arc was born in Domrémy, France
MajorThe peasant girl who would become France's national heroine and a Catholic saint was born in a small village. At age 17, she would lead French forces...