What Happened This Year 2012

Historical Events from This Year 2012

Space Exploration

Curiosity Rover Successfully Touches Down on Mars

August 6th, 2012 12 years ago

NASA's Curiosity rover landed on Mars, beginning its mission to explore the planet's surface and seek signs of past life. The rover's landing, referred to as the 'seven minutes of terror,' involved a complex descent process that successfully brought the robotic vehicle to the Gale Crater. Curiosity carries advanced scientific instruments to study Martian geology and atmosphere, providing significant insights into the planet's history and potential for life.

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Sports & Recreation

Shannon Eastin officiates first NFL game

August 9th, 2012 12 years ago

Shannon Eastin made history by officiating a National Football League game, becoming the first woman to hold such a position. The game took place during the NFL's preseason, which is a time for teams to evaluate players and make roster decisions. Eastin joined a crew of officials who were working due to a lockout of regular referees. This occasion marked a significant milestone in the NFL, showcasing the league's evolving dynamics and acceptance of diversity in officiating roles.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Marikana Massacre Results in 47 Deaths

August 10th, 2012 12 years ago

A violent confrontation erupted between police and striking miners at the Lonmin Platinum Mine in Marikana, South Africa. The clash followed weeks of labor unrest and demands for better wages from the miners. During the confrontation, police opened fire on a group of miners, resulting in the deaths of 47 people and raising national and international outcry regarding police brutality and workers' rights. The event highlighted deep-seated inequalities in South Africa's mining industry and labor relations.

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Natural Disasters

Deadly Earthquakes Strike Near Tabriz, Iran

August 11th, 2012 12 years ago

A pair of powerful earthquakes near Tabriz, Iran, resulted in at least 306 fatalities and over 3,000 injuries. The tremors struck in a densely populated area, causing widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. Rescue efforts were swiftly launched as emergency services worked around the clock to assist survivors. The earthquakes highlighted the seismic vulnerability of the region, underlining the need for improved building codes and disaster preparedness in the face of recurring natural disasters in Iran.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Police Clash with Miners at Marikana

August 16th, 2012 12 years ago

During an industrial dispute, South African police shot and killed 34 miners while wounding 78 others at the Lonmin Platinum mine in Marikana. The miners were on strike, demanding higher wages and better working conditions, and had gathered in a field near the mine. The police intervened, leading to a confrontation that escalated into violence, marking a significant turning point in labor relations in South Africa.

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Crime & Law

Deadly Prison Riot in Caracas

August 20th, 2012 12 years ago

A violent prison riot erupted at the El Rodeo prison in Caracas, leaving at least 20 people dead. The unrest began during a police operation aimed at controlling gang activities within the facility. Overcrowding and poor living conditions in Venezuelan prisons are chronic issues, exacerbating tensions and leading to a deadly confrontation between rival gangs.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Ethnic Clashes Over Cattle Grazing Rights

August 22nd, 2012 12 years ago

Ethnic communities in Tana River District clashed over grazing rights, leading to more than 52 fatalities. The conflict arose from long-standing tensions over resource access, exacerbated by competition between local communities. The clashes predominantly involved the Pokomo and the Orma ethnic groups, with both sides engaging in violent confrontations that resulted in homes being burned and many residents displaced. Security forces were deployed to the region to restore order.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Hot-air balloon crash in Ljubljana

August 23rd, 2012 12 years ago

A hot-air balloon carrying a large group faced a tragic event when it crashed near Ljubljana, Slovenia, killing six individuals and injuring 28 others. The balloon was operating during an annual festival, which attracted many spectators. The incident occurred in the early evening, causing panic among attendees. Rescue operations were launched immediately, aiming to provide assistance to the injured and investigate the cause of the accident.

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Crime & Law

Anders Behring Breivik Sentenced for Attacks

August 24th, 2012 12 years ago

Anders Behring Breivik was sentenced to 21 years of preventive detention by a Norwegian court for his responsibilities in the deadly attacks in Norway. The judgment followed his confession to killing 77 people on July 22, 2011, primarily at a youth camp on the island of Utøya, and through a car bomb in Oslo. The court deemed Breivik to be sane, rejecting his defense of mental illness while reinforcing the severity of his crimes against the state and humanity. This case captured international attention regarding terrorism and extreme right-wing ideologies.

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