1808day.year
John Rennie's scheme to defend St Mary's Church, Reculver, founded in 669, from coastal erosion is abandoned in favour of demolition, despite the church being an exemplar of Anglo-Saxon architecture and sculpture.
In 1808, plans by engineer John Rennie to protect the Anglo-Saxon St Mary's Church at Reculver from coastal erosion were scrapped, leading to its controversial demolition.
St Mary’s Church at Reculver, founded in 669 and celebrated for its Anglo-Saxon architecture, faced relentless coastal erosion. In early 1808, renowned engineer John Rennie proposed innovative defenses including sea walls and revetments to save the historic structure. However, government authorities deemed the scheme too costly and impractical, opting instead for controlled demolition later that year. The decision sparked debate among antiquarians, architects, and the public about preserving England’s early medieval heritage. Today, only twin towers remain as a poignant landmark overlooking the sea.
1808
John Rennie
St Mary's Church, Reculver
coastal erosion
Anglo-Saxon architecture
sculpture
1808day.year
The organizational meeting leading to the creation of the Wernerian Natural History Society, a former Scottish learned society, is held in Edinburgh.
On January 12, 1808, the Wernerian Natural History Society held its founding meeting in Edinburgh, promoting research in geology and natural history across Scotland.
The Wernerian Natural History Society was established at a meeting convened by members of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh. Named in honor of geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner, the society aimed to advance the study of mineralogy, botany, and zoology. Its early gatherings featured lectures, specimen exchanges, and influential papers by pioneering naturalists like Robert Jameson. The society published its proceedings, fostering scientific discourse and collaboration throughout the 19th century. It played a key role in the development of geological surveys and museums in Britain.
Wernerian Natural History Society
1866day.year
The Royal Aeronautical Society is formed in London.
On January 12, 1866, the Royal Aeronautical Society was founded in London, becoming one of the world’s first organizations dedicated to the scientific study of flight.
Initially named the Aeronautical Society of Great Britain, it brought together balloonists, inventors, and engineers interested in aerial navigation. Founding members debated designs for heavier-than-air machines and pioneered concepts that would shape modern aviation. The society published its Journal of Aeronautics, disseminating research across Europe and America. It organized exhibitions and competitions that spurred technological breakthroughs in lighter-than-air and later heavier-than-air flight. Over its history, the organization has played a pivotal role in aerospace innovation and professionalizing the aeronautical industry.
1866
Royal Aeronautical Society
1967day.year
Dr. James Bedford becomes the first person to be cryonically preserved with intent of future resuscitation.
Dr. James Bedford became the first person to undergo cryonic preservation for future revival on January 12, 1967.
On January 12, 1967, biochemist Dr. James Bedford became the first human to be cryonically preserved with hopes of future resuscitation.
His body was chilled to liquid nitrogen temperatures and stored at the Cryonics Society of California.
This landmark procedure was based on the idea that advanced technology might one day reverse death and repair tissue damage.
Bedford’s preservation initiated ongoing debates about the scientific feasibility and ethical implications of cryonics.
Over five decades later, his state of preservation remains a focal point in discussions on life extension and cryobiology.
1967
James Bedford
cryonically preserved
1986day.year
Space Shuttle program: Congressman and future NASA Administrator Bill Nelson lifts off from Kennedy Space Center aboard Columbia on mission STS-61-C as a payload specialist.
Congressman Bill Nelson flew aboard Space Shuttle Columbia on mission STS-61-C on January 12, 1986.
On January 12, 1986, Space Shuttle Columbia lifted off on mission STS-61-C from Kennedy Space Center with Congressman Bill Nelson aboard as a payload specialist.
Nelson became the first member of the U.S. Congress to travel into space, sending postcards from orbit as part of his duties.
The mission’s primary objectives included deploying the SATCOM KU-1 satellite and conducting scientific experiments.
Nelson’s flight highlighted the intersection of politics and space exploration during the Shuttle era.
He later served as NASA Administrator and continued advocating for human spaceflight programs.
1986
Space Shuttle program
Bill Nelson
Kennedy Space Center
Columbia
STS-61-C
payload specialist
1997day.year
Space Shuttle program: Atlantis launches from the Kennedy Space Center on mission STS-81 to the Russian space station Mir, carrying astronaut Jerry M. Linenger for a four-month stay on board the station, replacing astronaut John E. Blaha.
On January 12, 1997, Space Shuttle Atlantis embarked on mission STS-81, delivering astronaut Jerry M. Linenger to the Mir space station for a historic long-duration stay.
STS-81 was the fifth Shuttle–Mir docking mission, continuing US–Russian collaboration in low Earth orbit.
Atlantis lifted off from Kennedy Space Center carrying Jerry M. Linenger, who replaced John E. Blaha on Mir.
The mission marked the first time an American astronaut spent four consecutive months aboard the Russian station.
During his stay, Linenger conducted microgravity experiments in fluid physics, plant growth, and human physiology.
Atlantis delivered supplies, equipment, and scientific hardware essential for ongoing research on Mir.
The crew performed a complex docking maneuver before safely returning to Earth on January 18, 1997.
STS-81 reinforced international partnership in space exploration and paved the way for the International Space Station.
The mission showcased the Space Shuttle’s role in supporting long-term microgravity research and diplomatic ties in space.
1997
Atlantis
STS-81
Mir
Jerry M. Linenger
John E. Blaha
2005day.year
Deep Impact launches from Cape Canaveral on a Delta II rocket.
On January 12, 2005, NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft launched on a mission to study Comet Tempel 1, pioneering direct impact analysis.
Deep Impact lifted off from Cape Canaveral aboard a Delta II rocket, marking the first mission to eject an impactor into a comet's nucleus.
The spacecraft carried two modules: a flyby spacecraft and an impactor designed to create a crater on Comet Tempel 1.
After a six-month cruise, the impactor separated and collided with the comet at 10.3 km/s, excavating subsurface material.
This collision allowed scientists to analyze fresh cometary material to understand the composition and structure of primitive solar system bodies.
The flyby spacecraft observed the impact and transmitted data and images back to Earth, revealing insights into comet chemistry.
Deep Impact's findings advanced our knowledge of comet formation and evolution and influenced the design of future comet missions.
The success of the mission demonstrated the viability of in-situ impact experiments for planetary science.
2005
Deep Impact
Cape Canaveral
Delta II
2007day.year
Comet C/2006 P1 (McNaught), one of the brightest comets ever observed is at its zenith visible during the day.
On January 12, 2007, Comet C/2006 P1 (McNaught), one of the brightest comets ever recorded, reached peak visibility, even by daylight.
Discovered in August 2006 by astronomer Robert H. McNaught, the comet brightened spectacularly by early January 2007.
On January 12, it reached perihelion and became so luminous that it was visible in daylight near the sun’s glare.
Observers across the Southern Hemisphere reported a brilliant, curved tail spanning over 40 degrees in the sky.
Comet McNaught’s exceptional brightness was due to its large nucleus and favorable trajectory that brought it close to the sun.
It produced a stunning display for skywatchers equipped with binoculars and cameras, inspiring renewed public interest in astronomy.
Researchers studied its dust and gas emissions to gain insights into the composition of primitive solar system bodies.
Comet McNaught remains one of the most photogenic comets of the 21st century, thrilling both amateur and professional astronomers.
2007
C/2006 P1 (McNaught)