This Day In History : February 26

1998 Venezuela

Total Solar Eclipse Across Venezuela and Pacific Ocean

On February 26, 1998, a total solar eclipse is visible across Venezuela and the Pacific Ocean. The eclipse, lasting 4 minutes and 9 seconds, offers a rare and dramatic celestial event for observers. This total eclipse provides a unique opportunity for scientific observation and public fascination.

Also on This Day in History February 26

Discover what happened on February 26 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, February 26
  • 1903 Giulio Natta

    Italian chemist who contributed to the development of high polymers useful in the manufacture of films, plastics, fibres, and synthetic rubber.

  • 1864 John Evershed

    English astronomer who discovered (1909) the Evershed effect - the horizontal motion of gases outward from the centre of sunspots.

  • 1829 Levi Strauss

    German-American inventor and manufacturer of jeans, Levi Strauss was one of the best-known beneficiaries of California's gold rush economic boom.

  • 1842 Camille Flammarion

    Nicolas Camille Flammarion was a French astronomer who studied double and multiple stars, the moon and Mars.

  • 1786 François Arago

    He was a French physicist and astronomer who discovered the chromosphere of the sun, and made accurate estimates of the diameters of the planets.

Deaths on This Day, February 26
  • 1997 Max Sterne

    Italian research veterinarian who developed an effective, safe, and reproducible vaccine against anthrax that succeeded in virtually eliminating the disease.

  • 1931 Otto Wallach

    German chemist awarded the 1910 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for identifying terpene compounds.

  • 1909 Hermann Ebbinghaus

    German psychologist who pioneered in the development of experimental methods for the measurement of rote learning and memory.

  • 1852 Eli Terry

    American clockmaker who was an innovator in mass production.

  • 1903 Richard Jordan Gatling

    Richard Jordan Gatling was an American inventor best known for his invention of the Gatling gun, which is considered to be the first successful machine gun.

1992

Yankee Atomic Electric Nuclear Reactor Permanently Shut Down

On February 26, 1992, the Yankee Atomic Electric Company's nuclear reactor is permanently shut down. The decision follows concerns over reactor vessel embrittlement, which compromises the safety and structural integrity of the reactor. This closure marks a significant step in addressing nuclear safety issues.
1919

US Congress passed an act to establish Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

On February 26, 1919, the US Congress passes an act to establish the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. This landmark decision creates a protected area for one of the most iconic natural landscapes in the United States. The park's designation ensures the conservation of its unique geological and ecological features.
1993

1993 World Trade Center Truck Bomb Attack

On February 26, 1993, a truck bomb explodes below the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. The blast kills six people and injures over a thousand others. This attack marks one of the earliest instances of terrorism targeting the World Trade Center, leading to significant security changes.
1971

Secretary-General U Thant signs United Nations proclamation of the vernal equinox as Earth Day

On February 26, 1971, UN Secretary-General U Thant signs a proclamation designating the vernal equinox as Earth Day. This declaration aims to promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts worldwide. The day marks a significant step in recognizing the importance of protecting our planet.
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