This Day In History : March 13

1781 United Kingdom

Uranus Discovered by Astronomer William Herschel

On March 13, 1781, astronomer William Herschel discovers Uranus, expanding our understanding of the solar system. This groundbreaking discovery reveals a new planet beyond Saturn, significantly impacting astronomy. Herschel's observation marks a milestone in the study of planetary science.

Also on This Day in History March 13

Discover what happened on March 13 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, March 13
  • 1855 Percival Lowell

    American astronomer who predicted the existence of the planet Pluto and initiated the search that ended in its discovery.

  • 1899 John Van Vleck

    American physicist, mathematician who pioneered the modern quantum mechanical theory of magnetism

  • 1942 Dave Cutler

    American software engineer

  • 1834 Frederick Walton

    English inventor who invented linoleum

  • 1720 Charles Bonnet

    Swiss naturalist and philosophical writer who discovered parthenogenesis

Deaths on This Day, March 13
  • 1937 Elihu Thomson

    American engineer who co-founded General Electric Company and inventor

  • 1998 Hans von Ohain

    German-American aerospace engineer who developed 1st turbojet engine

  • 2011 David Rumelhart

    American psychologist (backpropagation algorithm)

  • 1933 Robert Innes

    Scottish astronomer who discovered Proxima Centauri, the closest star to earth after the Sun

  • 1845 John Frederic Daniell

    British chemist and meteorologist who invented the Daniell cell

1639

Cambridge College Renamed as Harvard College

On March 13, 1639, Cambridge College in Massachusetts is renamed Harvard College in honor of clergyman John Harvard, who left his library and half his estate to the institution. This renaming recognizes his significant contribution to the college's founding and growth, setting the stage for its development into a prestigious university.
1986

Microsoft Holds Initial Public Offering

On March 13, 1986, Microsoft launches its initial public offering (IPO), opening up investment in the company to the public. This milestone event boosts Microsoft's growth and expansion, positioning it as a dominant player in the technology industry. The IPO marks a pivotal moment in the company's financial history.
1989

Space Shuttle Discovery 8 Launches with Historic Countdown

On March 13, 1989, the Space Shuttle Discovery embarks on its 27th mission, STS-29. This launch is notable for featuring the first woman to perform the countdown for a shuttle mission. The event highlights the increasing role of women in space exploration and NASA's evolving practices.
1988

Japan's Seikan Tunnel Opens as World's Longest Underwater Tunnel

On March 13, 1988, Japan opens the Seikan Tunnel, the world's longest tunnel with an underwater segment, stretching 53.90 kilometers and connecting Honshu and Hokkaido by rail. Although it holds the record for the longest underwater segment, the Channel Tunnel remains the longest overall. The Seikan Tunnel significantly improves rail connectivity in Japan.
1930

Mahatma Gandhi Embarks on Salt March

On March 12, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi begins his Salt March, a 240-mile journey from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi. This act of civil disobedience protests British salt taxes and colonial rule, galvanizing the Indian independence movement. The march becomes a pivotal moment in India's struggle for freedom.
Holiday
Special day
Discover invention