The SMART-1 satellite is launched.
The SMART-1 satellite is launched.
ON THIS DAY
The past leaves a trace.
Choose a date and follow its stories through time. Browse the calendar
A date. A doorway to the past.
Choose a day and discover what happened.
2003
1977
Japan Airlines Flight 715 crashes on approach to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, Malaysia,…
Japan Airlines Flight 715 crashes on approach to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, Malaysia, killing 34 of the 79 people on board.
1962
Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring is published, inspiring an environmental movement and the creation of…
Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring is published, inspiring an environmental movement and the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
1942
World War II: Last day of the Matanikau action on Guadalcanal as United States Marines barely escape after…
World War II: Last day of the Matanikau action on Guadalcanal as United States Marines barely escape after being surrounded by Japanese forces.
1825
The world's first public railway to use steam locomotives, the Stockton and Darlington Railway, is…
The world's first public railway to use steam locomotives, the Stockton and Darlington Railway, is ceremonially opened with the engine Locomotion pulling wagons with coal and passengers from Shildon to Darlington to Stockton.
1601
Birth of Louis XIII of France
Born: Louis XIII of France (died 1643).
1590
Death of Pope Urban VII
Died: Pope Urban VII (born 1521).
1066
William the Conqueror and his army set sail from the mouth of the Somme river, beginning the Norman…
William the Conqueror and his army set sail from the mouth of the Somme river, beginning the Norman conquest of England.
Dates follow the source calendar pages; older dates may use different calendars. About the sources