1900day.year
The Southern Cross expedition led by Carsten Borchgrevink achieved a new Farthest South of 78° 50'S, making the first landing at the Great Ice Barrier.
The Southern Cross expedition, led by Carsten Borchgrevink, reached a new Farthest South latitude of 78° 50'S and made the first landing on the Great Ice Barrier of Antarctica.
Departing in 1898, the British-funded Southern Cross expedition was the first to overwinter on the Antarctic continent. Under Carsten Borchgrevink's leadership, the team conducted scientific observations and laid the groundwork for future polar research. On February 16, 1900, they pushed to a record southern latitude of 78° 50'S, surpassing previous explorers. The expedition also achieved the first landing on the edge of the Antarctic ice shelf, known as the Great Ice Barrier. Their findings on magnetism, meteorology, and geology expanded knowledge of the polar regions. Despite harsh conditions, the success of the Southern Cross expedition inspired subsequent expeditions like those led by Scott and Shackleton.
1900
Southern Cross expedition
Carsten Borchgrevink
Farthest South
Great Ice Barrier
1937day.year
Wallace H. Carothers receives a United States patent for nylon.
Chemist Wallace H. Carothers received a U.S. patent for nylon, the first synthetic fiber with wide-ranging applications.
At DuPont's research laboratories in Delaware, Wallace H. Carothers and his team pioneered the polymerization techniques that led to nylon's invention. On February 16, 1937, Carothers was granted U.S. Patent No. 2,130,948 for nylon, marking the first successful synthetic thermoplastic polymer fiber. Nylon's strength, elasticity, and resistance to chemicals made it ideal for products such as stockings, toothbrushes, and military equipment. The fiber revolutionized the textile industry and spurred further research into synthetic materials. Nylon's debut demonstrated the transformative potential of polymer chemistry in the 20th century.
1937
Wallace H. Carothers
patent
nylon
1960day.year
The U.S. Navy submarine USS Triton begins Operation Sandblast, setting sail from New London, Connecticut, to begin the first submerged circumnavigation of the globe.
The U.S. Navy submarine USS Triton departed on Operation Sandblast in February 1960, completing the first submerged circumnavigation of the globe.
On February 16, 1960, USS Triton set sail from New London, Connecticut, embarking on Operation Sandblast, the first underwater circumnavigation of the Earth.
The nuclear-powered submarine traveled over 41,000 nautical miles submerged in 84 days, showcasing advances in submarine endurance and nuclear propulsion.
Under the command of Captain Edward L. Beach Jr., Triton's mission demonstrated strategic capabilities during the Cold War's naval competitions.
The voyage collected oceanographic data and tested navigation systems essential for future submarine operations.
Operation Sandblast reinforced the United States' technological edge in undersea warfare and exploration.
1960
USS Triton
Operation Sandblast
New London, Connecticut
1961day.year
Explorer program: Explorer 9 (S-56a) is launched.
Explorer 9 was launched in February 1961 as part of NASA's Explorer program to study the Earth's upper atmosphere.
On February 16, 1961, the United States launched Explorer 9 (also known as S-56a) aboard a Scout rocket from Wallops Island, Virginia.
The satellite's primary mission was to measure atmospheric density and composition in the thermosphere using drag data.
Explorer 9 transmitted valuable information about upper-atmospheric properties until it reentered the Earth's atmosphere later that year.
Its successful deployment contributed to the growing body of knowledge during the early space age and informed subsequent satellite design.
Explorer 9 exemplified the rapid progress of space exploration amid the Cold War space race.
1961
Explorer program
Explorer 9
1978day.year
The first computer bulletin board system is created (CBBS in Chicago).
The first computer bulletin board system (CBBS) goes live in Chicago, pioneering online communities.
On February 16, 1978, Ward Christensen and Randy Suess launched the Computerized Bulletin Board System (CBBS) in Chicago.
Users could connect via telephone modems to exchange messages, download files, and participate in online discussions.
CBBS served as the blueprint for later internet forums and social networks.
This innovation demonstrated the potential of personal computers to connect users across distances.
CBBS’s success inspired hobbyists and professionals to develop more advanced online communication platforms.
1978
bulletin board system
CBBS
Chicago