What Happened This Year 2005
Historical Events from This Year 2005
Discovery of Dwarf Planet Eris
Astronomers at Palomar Observatory discovered Eris, a dwarf planet in the outer solar system. Located beyond Pluto, Eris is noteworthy for being one of the largest known dwarf planets and contributed to the debate on what constitutes a planet. Its discovery sparked a reevaluation of planetary definitions by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
Continue ReadingChlorine gas release from train collision
A collision involving two trains in Graniteville, South Carolina, led to the accidental release of approximately 60 tons of chlorine gas. The incident occurred when a freight train struck a stationary train, causing several tankers to rupture. Emergency responders rushed to the scene to evacuate local residents and contain the hazardous leak. The leak resulted in injuries among first responders and nearby residents as well, raising significant concerns about chemical safety in transport.
Continue ReadingIndictment of Edgar Ray Killen for 1964 Murders
Edgar Ray Killen was indicted for his involvement in the 1964 murders of civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner, and James Chaney in Neshoba County, Mississippi. This indictment came decades after the crimes occurred during a time of heightened racial tensions and civil rights activism. The case was reopened as part of efforts to address unresolved civil rights violations, exemplifying ongoing struggles for justice. Killen, identified as a Ku Klux Klan leader, faced charges both of murder and conspiracy, marking a significant moment in the pursuit of accountability for racially motivated violence.
Continue ReadingUSS San Francisco Collides with Undersea Mountain
The nuclear submarine USS San Francisco, operating in the Pacific, collided at full speed with an underwater mountain south of Guam. This incident resulted in the death of one crew member and extensive damage to the submarine. Despite the severity of the collision, the crew managed to surface the vessel and return to port for necessary repairs. The event raised significant questions about submarine navigation and safety protocols in deep-sea operations.
Continue ReadingMahmoud Abbas Elected President of Palestinian Authority
Mahmoud Abbas was elected to replace Rawhi Fattouh as the President of the Palestinian National Authority in a pivotal election. The vote, which followed the passing of longtime leader Yasser Arafat, was held on January 9, 2005. Abbas, a member of Fatah and an advocate for peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, garnered significant support amidst a backdrop of hope for renewed diplomatic efforts.
Continue ReadingComprehensive Peace Agreement Signed in Sudan
The Sudan People's Liberation Movement and the Government of Sudan signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Nairobi, Kenya, aimed at resolving the long-standing Second Sudanese Civil War. This agreement laid the foundation for greater autonomy for Southern Sudan and outlined power-sharing arrangements between the North and South. The negotiations highlighted issues of governance, resource allocation, and cultural recognition, making a significant step towards peace in the region.
Continue ReadingDeep Impact Successfully Launched Towards Comet
Deep Impact, a NASA spacecraft, was successfully launched aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, to study the comet Tempel 1. This mission aimed to gain insights into the composition of comets as it impacted the surface of Tempel 1, providing crucial data about the early solar system. The launch marked a significant milestone in planetary science, enhancing our understanding of the building blocks of the solar system.
Continue ReadingSMART-1 Identifies Elements on the Moon's Surface
The SMART-1 lunar orbiter, operated by the European Space Agency (ESA), successfully detected significant surface elements on the Moon, including calcium, aluminum, silicon, and iron. This discovery came after its extensive journey and deployment around the lunar body, enhancing our understanding of its composition. The information gathered is vital for future lunar exploration and potential resource utilization on the Moon.
Continue ReadingAirbus A380 Unveiled in Toulouse
The Airbus A380, the world's largest commercial jet, was unveiled in a grand ceremony held in Toulouse, France. This event marked a significant milestone for Airbus as they showcased their innovative double-deck, wide-body airplane, designed to accommodate up to 850 passengers in a single class configuration. The unveiling featured a spectacular display of the aircraft, as well as speeches from key executives, emphasizing Airbus's commitment to redefining air travel and boosting passenger capacity. The ceremony attracted significant media attention and was a crucial step in the journey toward the A380’s entry into service.
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