What Happened This Year 2003
Historical Events from This Year 2003
Beagle 2 Probe Stops Transmitting Before Landing
The Beagle 2 probe, part of the European Space Agency's Mars Express mission, was deployed on December 19 to investigate Mars. Scheduled to land on December 25, it ceased communications just before its expected touchdown. The probe aimed to seek evidence of life and perform scientific analysis of the Martian surface, but its failure to communicate raised concerns among scientists and engineers.
Continue ReadingUTA Flight 141 crashes in Benin
UTA Flight 141, a Boeing 727-223, crashed at Cotonou Airport in Benin, resulting in the deaths of 141 individuals onboard. The flight was operated by the French airline UTA and was originally en route from Abidjan, Ivory Coast, to Paris, France. Poor weather conditions, including heavy rain and fog, contributed to the incident, leading to a loss of control during the landing process. The crash is one of the deadliest aviation disasters in West Africa.
Continue ReadingBam earthquake devastates southeastern Iran
A powerful 6.6 Mw earthquake struck southeastern Iran, causing massive destruction in the city of Bam. The quake reached a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), resulting in over 26,000 fatalities and around 30,000 injuries. The ancient city, known for its historical adobe structures, was largely demolished, leaving survivors in urgent need of assistance and shelter. This natural disaster highlighted the geological volatility of the region and the vulnerability of its infrastructure.
Continue ReadingAkkala Sami Language Faces Extinction
The last known speaker of Akkala Sami, Arja Tsatsa, passed away in late December 2003. Akkala Sami, a critically endangered Uralic language, was predominantly spoken in the northeastern regions of Finland and adjacent areas of Russia. The language underwent significant decline over the 20th century due to various socio-political factors leading to a diminishing number of speakers. The loss of Arja Tsatsa marked a significant milestone in the history of the Akkala Sami language, rendering it extinct as no fluent speakers remained.
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