1898
The Curies announce radium. Pierre and Marie Curie announced the discovery of a new element at the French Academy of Sciences, naming it radium.
Wikipedia: RadiumPhoto: Henri Manuel / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
On this day
26 December in history.
5 moments from 1606 to 2012: discovery, creativity and courage, each with a source to read more.
5 moments
More from 26 December
1606
King Lear on stage
The first known performance of William Shakespeare's tragedy King Lear took place.
Wikipedia: King LearWikipedia: William Shakespeare
Photo: Ford Madox Brown / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
1860
The oldest football fixture
Sheffield F.C. and Hallam F.C. played the first Rules derby, now the oldest football fixture in the world.
1871
Gilbert and Sullivan's first opera
Thespis, the first comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan, premiered at the Gaiety Theatre in London.
Wikipedia: Thespis (opera)Wikipedia: Gilbert and Sullivan
Photo: Studio Ellis & Walery: [1] Alfred Ellis (1854-1930) [2] & Walery (Stanislas Jul… / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
2012
The world's longest high-speed rail line
China opened the world's longest high-speed rail route, linking Beijing and Guangzhou.
Wikipedia: Beijing–Guangzhou high-speed railway
Photo: N509FZ / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Moments chosen for discovery, creativity and courage. Each one links to a source where you can read more; photos are credited to their owners.