2013
Kristofer Helgen announced the discovery of the olinguito, a mammal of the raccoon family Procyonidae.
The olinguito was the first new carnivorous species found in the Americas in 35 years.
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1985
Richard Branson’s attempt at obtaining the fastest Atlantic crossing ended when his speed boat crashed.
The 32-ton vessel, The Virgin Atlantic Challenger, overturned just off the southwest coast of England, jeopardizing Branson’s attempt at making the fastest journey across the Atlantic Ocean.
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1977
Ohio State University’s Big Ear radio telescope detected a deep-space radio signal.
The signal from the Saggitarius constellation bore all the signs of being extraterrestrial in origin. When an astronomer discovered the signal recording a few days later, he was stunned and impressed with it and wrote “Wow!” on the computer printout, leading to the signal being called the Wow! Signal.
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1971
Bahrain declared independence from Britain.
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1945
After six years at war, Japan surrendered, marking the end of World War II.
This day was named VJ Day, which stands for Victory in Japan day. It marked the victory of the world’s allied nations in the enemy’s defeat, which brought WWII to an end.
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1903
New Zealand’s All Blacks played their first international test against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground.
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1891
An all-steel church called San Sebastian Church opened in Manila, Philippines.
The church was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2011.
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1876
The Indian Appropriations Act added the sell or starve clause.
The clause meant that rations were cut until the Sioux people of Black Hills in South Dakota gave up their land.
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1870
The Transcontinental Railroad linking up the East and West halves of the US was completed in Colorado.
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1843
The world’s second oldest theme park, Tivoli Gardens, opened in Copenhagen, Denmark.
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1824
One thousand Nigerian troops were airlifted into Liberia to end the occupation of Monrovia.
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1519
Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila founded Panama City.
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1483
The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican opened for its first mass.
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1457
Mainz Psalter was published, making it the first book with a printed publication date on it.
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1248
The foundations for Cologne Cathedral were laid in preparation for its construction.
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1185
Cave monastery Vardzia was blessed by Queen Tamar of Georgia.
The area consists of fifteen churches, with the main church being called “Assumption of Mary.”
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