This Day In History : February 18

1930 United States

Pluto Discovered by Clyde Tombaugh

On February 18, 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovers Pluto at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. This discovery adds a ninth planet to the solar system, sparking interest and research in astronomy and planetary science.

Also on This Day in History February 18

Discover what happened on February 18 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, February 18
  • 1898 Enzo Ferrari

    Italian automobile manufacturer, designer, and racing-car driver whose Ferrari cars often dominated world racing competition in the second half of the 20th century.

  • 1871 Harry Brearley

    English metallurgist who invented stainless steel, which is an alloy of steel with chromium and nickel.

  • 1838 Ernst Mach

    Austrian physicist and philosopher who established important principles of optics, mechanics, and wave dynamics.

  • 1827 Heinrich Karl Brugsch

    German Egyptologist who pioneered in deciphering demotic, the simplified script of the later Egyptian periods.

  • 1745 Count Alessandro Giuseppe Antonio Anastasio Volta

    He was an Italian physicist who invented the electric battery (1800), the first  reliable, sustained supply of current.

Deaths on This Day, February 18
  • 1900 Eugenio Beltrami

    Italian mathematician and mathematical physicist known for his concepts of non-Euclidean geometry.

  • 1899 Sophus Lie

    Marius Sophus Lie was a Norwegian mathematician who made significant contributions to the theories of algebraic invariants, continuous groups of transformations and differential equations.

  • 1957 Joseph G. Hamilton

    Joseph Gilbert Hamilton was an American medical physicist who pioneered in the medical uses and health effects of radioactive isotopes.

  • 1862 Pierre-Fidèle Bretonneau

    French physician and epidemiologist who performed the first successful tracheotomy to save a patient suffering from laryngeal diphtheria from suffocating.

  • 1856 Baron Wilhelm von Biela

    Austrian astronomer who was known for his measurement (1826) of a previously known comet as having an orbital period of 6.6 years.

1930

Elm Farm Ollie Becomes First Cow to Fly and Be Milked in Aircraft

On February 18, 1930, Elm Farm Ollie makes history as the first cow to fly in a fixed-wing aircraft. During the flight, Ollie is also milked, making her the first cow to be milked in the air. This event is a promotional stunt, highlighting advancements in aviation and agricultural technology.
1977

Space Shuttle Enterprise Makes Maiden Flight on Boeing 747

On February 18, 1977, the Space Shuttle Enterprise test vehicle is carried on its maiden flight atop a Boeing 747. This flight is a crucial step in testing the shuttle's transport and flight capabilities, essential for the future of space missions. The event demonstrates the integration of shuttle technology with aviation infrastructure.
1979

Snow Falls in the Sahara Desert for the First Time

On February 18, 1979, snow falls in the Sahara Desert in southern Algeria, marking the only recorded instance of snow in this region. The rare weather event surprises meteorologists and residents, highlighting the desert's extreme weather variability. This unusual snowfall lasts for a short period but leaves a lasting impression.
1965

The Gambia Gains Independence from the United Kingdom

On February 18, 1965, The Gambia becomes an independent nation, severing colonial ties with the United Kingdom. This milestone marks the beginning of self-governance and national sovereignty for The Gambia. Independence Day is celebrated annually with events that honor the country's journey to autonomy.
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