This Day In History : March 7

1962 United States

Launch of OSO 1, the First Astronomy Satellite

On March 7, 1962, the OSO 1 satellite is launched, marking a key milestone in space-based astronomy. It was the first satellite dedicated to studying solar flares and solar radiation. OSO 1 significantly advanced our understanding of solar activities and their impact on space weather.

Also on This Day in History March 7

Discover what happened on March 7 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, March 7
  • 1857 Julius Wagner-Jauregg

    Austrian psychiatrist and neurologist whose made the first use of a shock therapy.

  • 1837 Henry Draper

    American physician and amateur astronomer who made the first photograph of the spectrum of a star (Vega), in 1872.

  • 1765 Nicéphore Niepce

    Joseph-Nicéphore Niepce was a French inventor who was the first to make a permanent photographic image.

  • 1869 Ernst Julius Cohen

    Dutch chemist who researched piezochemistry, electrochemical thermodynamics, polymorphism of compounds and the allotropy of metals, especially tin.

  • 1900 Fritz Wolfgang London

    German-American physicist who, with Walter Heitler, devised the first quantum mechanical treatment of the hydrogen molecule, while working with Erwin Schrödinger at the University of Zurich.

Deaths on This Day, March 7
  • 1997 Edward Mills Purcell

    American physicist who shared the 1952 Nobel Prize for Physics with Felix Bloch for independently developing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in liquids and in solids.

  • 1951 William Draper Harkins

    American nuclear chemist who was one of the first to investigate the structure and fusion reactions of the nucleus.

  • 1954 James Bryan Herrick

    American physician and clinical cardiologist who was the first to observe and describe sickle-cell anemia.

  • 1997 Norman de Bruyne

    Dutch inventor who helped to transform aircraft construction by developing strong new lightweight materials and synthetic glues

  • 1809 Jean-Pierre-François Blanchard

    French balloonist who made the first aerial crossing of the English Channel.

1996

Pluto

In 1996, the first surface photos of Pluto were released. Although the only solar-system planet never visited by spacecraft, it was successfully photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope.
1926

Transatlantic radio-telephone call

In 1926, the first successful trans-Atlantic radio-telephone conversation took place, between New York City and London.
1876

Alexander Graham Bell Granted Patent for the Telephone

On March 7, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell is awarded the patent for the telephone. This invention revolutionizes communication, allowing voice transmission over long distances for the first time. Bell's groundbreaking technology transforms how people connect, laying the foundation for the global telecommunications network.
1900

SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse Becomes First Ship to Send Wireless Signals to Shore

On March 7, 1900, the SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse becomes the first ship to send wireless signals to shore, marking a milestone in maritime communication. This achievement demonstrates the potential of wireless technology for navigation and safety at sea. It also paves the way for modern communication systems used in maritime operations.
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