What Happened This Year 2012
Historical Events from This Year 2012
Celebration of Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee
The pageant for the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II featured a grand flotilla of boats on the River Thames in London, celebrating the Queen's 60 years on the throne. Over a thousand vessels, including historical ships and pleasure craft, participated in a display that extended for miles along the river. The event attracted thousands of spectators who lined the riverbanks, while the weather added to the atmosphere with a light drizzle. The flotilla included notable vessels like the Queen's Rowbarge, 'Glorianna', symbolizing the rich maritime history associated with the British monarchy.
Continue ReadingAirplane Crash in Lagos Residential Area
A plane with 153 passengers crashed into a Lagos neighborhood, resulting in no survivors on board and six fatalities among ground residents. The crash happened shortly after takeoff from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, causing extensive damage to homes in the area. Investigations into the cause of the crash began immediately afterward, with concerns raised about aviation safety in Nigeria. Eyewitness accounts detailed the terrifying moments as the aircraft plummeted.
Continue ReadingFinal Transit of Venus Until 2117
The last transit of Venus before 2117 captivated astronomers and skywatchers worldwide. On this day, Venus passed directly between the Earth and the Sun, creating a small silhouette that traversed the solar disk. This rare celestial alignment provided an extraordinary opportunity for scientists to study transits and better understand the distances between celestial bodies. Observers gathered in various locations, using telescopes and protective filters, to witness the delicate movement of Venus across the Sun, a sight not to be repeated for over a century.
Continue ReadingLandslide Buries Afghan Village Following Earthquakes
Two powerful earthquakes triggered a devastating landslide, burying an entire village in northeastern Afghanistan and resulting in the deaths of around 75 individuals. The region, known for its rugged terrain, suffered a significant geological impact when the tremors destabilized the earth, leading to immense destruction. Rescue efforts faced numerous challenges due to the remote location and difficult terrain, hindering immediate access to the affected area.
Continue ReadingCoordinated bombings claim numerous lives in Iraq
A series of coordinated bomb blasts occurred across Iraq, targeting cities including Baghdad, Hillah, and Kirkuk. The attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 93 people and left over 300 others wounded. The bombings struck at significant times during the day, causing chaos and panic among residents. Authorities quickly mobilized medical assistance to treat the wounded and assessed the damage in affected areas. While no group immediately claimed responsibility, such attacks were characteristic of ongoing sectarian violence prevalent in the region.
Continue ReadingNik Wallenda's Historic Niagara Falls Walk
Nik Wallenda completed a tightrope walk across Niagara Falls on June 15, 2012. This extraordinary achievement took place between the United States and Canada, where he balanced on a two-inch-wide wire. Wallenda, a seventh-generation acrobat, navigated the 1,800-foot distance without a harness, showcasing his incredible skill and courage. The event was broadcast live, capturing the attention of millions worldwide.
Continue ReadingX-37B Spaceplane Completes Record Orbital Mission
The Boeing X-37B spaceplane successfully returned to Earth after an extensive 469-day mission that was classified. This mission underscores the advanced capabilities of the U.S. Air Force's space technology and the ongoing exploration of reusable spacecraft. The X-37B, launched on December 11, 2010, took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and conducted experiments and tests that remained undisclosed due to their classified nature. Its return marked a significant milestone in military space operations, showcasing the effectiveness of robotic spacecraft.
Continue ReadingChina's Shenzhou 9 Launches with Liu Yang
The Shenzhou 9 spacecraft was launched by China, carrying three astronauts, including Liu Yang, the first female astronaut from China, to the Tiangong-1 space laboratory. The successful mission marked a significant step in China's space exploration efforts and highlighted advancements in its human spaceflight program.
Continue ReadingJulian Assange Seeks Asylum in Ecuadorian Embassy
Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, sought asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London to avoid extradition to the United States. He feared prosecution after the publication of classified military documents, including controversial footage showing civilian fatalities caused by US forces in Iraq. The move attracted significant media attention and sparked discussions about press freedom, national security, and the right to asylum.
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