This Day In History : April 1

1960 United States

TIROS 1, the First Weather Satellite, Launched

On April 1, 1960, the United States successfully launches TIROS 1, the world's first weather satellite. This pioneering satellite provides meteorologists with unprecedented data and images of Earth's weather systems, revolutionizing weather forecasting.

Also on This Day in History April 1

Discover what happened on April 1 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, April 1
  • 1908 Abraham Maslow

    American psychologist who created Maslow's hierarchy of needs

  • 1952 Venkatraman Ramakrishnan

    Indian-born British-American physicist and molecular biologist who won the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for research into ribosomes

  • 1578 William Harvey

    English physician who discovered blood circulation

  • 1946 William Frederick Fisher

    American physician and astronaut (STS 51-I)

  • 1776 Sophie Germain

    French mathematician who contributed to the study of acoustics, elasticity, and the theory of numbers

Deaths on This Day, April 1
  • 2001 Olivia Barclay

    British astrologer who worked on the revival of traditional forms of astrology in the late 20th century

  • 1971 Dame Kathleen Lonsdale

    British crystallographer who was one of 1st two women elected to Royal Society

  • 1968 Lev Davidovich Landau

    Russian physicist who worked on atomic and nuclear physics, solid-state, stellar-energy, low-temperature physics and low-temperature physics, Nobel Prize 1962

  • 1922 Jane Bunford

    Britain's tallest-ever person measuring 7 ft 11 in (2.41 metres)

  • 1863 Jakob Steiner

    Swiss mathematician who discovered the Steiner surface

1976

Apple Inc. Founded

On April 1, 1976, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne form Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California. This innovative company is set to revolutionize technology and consumer electronics, beginning with the introduction of the Apple I computer.
2001

Netherlands Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage, A Global First

On April 1, 2001, the Netherlands becomes the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. This historic legislation allows same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, setting a precedent for LGBTQ+ rights worldwide.
2002

The Netherlands Becomes First Nation to Legalize Euthanasia

On April 1, 2002, the Netherlands officially legalizes euthanasia, becoming the first country in the world to do so. This groundbreaking legislation allows patients to end their lives under strict conditions, marking a significant step in medical ethics and patient rights.
1970

President Nixon Signs Bill Limiting Cigarette Advertisements

On April 1, 1970, U.S. President Richard Nixon signs a bill into law that limits cigarette advertisements, with the restrictions taking effect on January 1, 1971. This legislation aims to reduce smoking-related health issues by curbing tobacco advertising.
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