1631 – 1st predicted transit of Venus (Kepler) is observed

1768 – 1st edition of “Encyclopedia Brittanica” published (Scotland)\

1825 – Pres John Adams suggests establishment of a US observatory

1876 – 1st crematorium in US begins operation, Washington, Penn

1877 – First recording made of the human voice – Thomas Edison reciting “Mary had a little lamb”

1877 – Washington Post publishes 1st edition

1917 – French munition ship “Mont Blanc” explodes in Halifax, kills 1,700

1957 – 1st US attempt to launch a satellite fails-Vanguard rocket blows up

1980 – NASA launches Intelsat V satellite, no. 502

2006 – NASA reveals photographs taken by Mars Global Surveyor suggesting the presence of liquid water on Mars.