Historical Events tagged with "new mexico"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Space Exploration

Albert II, First Monkey in Space

June 14th, 1949 75 years ago

Albert II, a rhesus monkey, was launched aboard a V-2 rocket by American scientists, achieving a significant milestone by reaching an altitude of 134 km (83 mi). This mission marked him as the first mammal and first monkey to travel into space. The flight lasted just over three minutes and concluded with a successful parachute descent, although Albert II perished upon landing due to a parachute malfunction. This mission was part of early efforts in biological research related to space travel.

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Space Exploration

UFO Crash in Roswell Sparks Controversy

July 8th, 1947 77 years ago

In July 1947, reports emerged regarding a supposed UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico. Local newspapers claimed the military had recovered a 'flying disc' from the site, generating widespread public interest. The United States Air Force later stated it was a weather balloon, but conspiracy theories ignited that it was an extraterrestrial craft. This incident marked a significant moment in UFO lore and public fascination with unidentified flying objects.

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Space Exploration

First Photograph of Earth from Outer Space

October 24th, 1946 78 years ago

A camera onboard the V-2 No. 13 rocket took the first photograph of Earth from outer space, capturing a stunning view of the planet at an altitude of 105 kilometers. This significant milestone was achieved during a rocket test flight conducted at the White Sands Proving Ground in New Mexico, USA. The mission aimed to collect data for military and scientific purposes, showcasing the capabilities of rocket technology and the new perspective of Earth from above.

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Science & Technology

Louis Slotin Fatally Irradiated at Los Alamos

May 21st, 1946 78 years ago

During an experiment with the demon core at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, physicist Louis Slotin was fatally irradiated due to a criticality incident. Using a meticulous manual method to approach critical mass, Slotin inadvertently caused a prompt critical reaction. This resulted in an intense burst of radiation exposure, which later proved to be fatal.

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Space Exploration

First American V-2 Rocket Launch Success

May 10th, 1946 78 years ago

The V-2 rocket, originally developed during World War II, was successfully launched at the White Sands Proving Ground in New Mexico. This marked the first time an American version of the V-2 was put to flight, showcasing the U.S. commitment to advancing rocket technology. The test was part of a broader series of evaluations to understand the capabilities of captured German rocket technology and to lay the groundwork for future developments in missile and space exploration.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Fatally Irradiated Incident Involving Harry Daghlian

August 21st, 1945 79 years ago

Harry Daghlian, a physicist, was fatally irradiated while conducting an experiment with the Demon core at Los Alamos National Laboratory. While working to determine the neutron reflection characteristics of the core, Daghlian accidentally dropped a brick that completed a neutron-reflecting configuration. This incident led to a criticality accident, causing a lethal dose of radiation before he could be treated for exposure.

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Science & Technology

The Birth of the Atomic Age

July 16th, 1945 79 years ago

On this transformative day, the United States successfully detonated the first atomic bomb, codenamed 'Trinity', as part of the Manhattan Project. This unprecedented event occurred in the New Mexico desert near Alamogordo. Scientists, led by J. Robert Oppenheimer and other prominent physicists, gathered to witness this historic moment. The successful detonation marked a significant milestone in military and scientific history, showcasing humanity’s capabilities for both great innovation and destruction. The test demonstrated the viability of nuclear weapons which soon influenced global power dynamics.

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Military & Warfare

Pancho Villa Attacks Columbus, New Mexico

March 9th, 1916 109 years ago

Pancho Villa led about 500 raiders in an attack on the border town of Columbus, New Mexico. The raid resulted in the deaths of several Americans and was part of Villa's ongoing campaign against the United States. The assault triggered a significant military response from the U.S. government, initiating a massive pursuit of Villa by General John J. Pershing.

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Politics & Government

New Mexico Becomes the 47th U.S. State

January 6th, 1912 113 years ago

New Mexico was officially admitted to the Union as the 47th state of the United States after a long journey that began with its territorial status. The statehood movement gained momentum during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as residents advocated for representation and governance akin to other states. The act of admission was signed by President William Howard Taft, and it symbolized not only the growth of the nation but also the diverse cultural identity of New Mexico, characterized by its unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences.

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