On this day

26 February in history.

5 moments from 1909 to 2008: discovery, creativity and courage, each with a source to read more.

5 moments

Portrait photograph of Robert Watson-Watt

1935

Radar is shown to work. Scottish engineer Robert Watson-Watt showed that radio waves bounced off an aircraft could reveal where it was. It led straight to the development of radar.

Wikipedia: Robert Watson-Watt

Photo: Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

More from 26 February

  1. George Albert Smith around 1900

    1909

    The first films in colour

    Kinemacolor, the first successful way of showing films in colour, was shown to the public at the Palace Theatre in London.

    Wikipedia: Kinemacolor

    Photo: Unknown / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  2. Original Dixieland Jass Band

    1917

    The first jazz record

    A New Orleans band called the Original Dixieland Jass Band recorded "Livery Stable Blues". It was the first jazz record ever put on sale.

    Wikipedia: Livery Stable BluesWikipedia: Original Dixieland Jass Band

    Photo: Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  3. dawn on the S rim of the Grand Canyon

    1919

    The Grand Canyon is protected

    President Woodrow Wilson signed the law that made the Grand Canyon a national park.

    Wikipedia: Grand Canyon National Park

    Photo: Murray Foubister / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

  4. Concert by the New York Philharmonic at Avery Fisher Hall, New York City

    2008

    An orchestra in Pyongyang

    The New York Philharmonic gave a concert in North Korea's capital, a rare moment of cultural exchange between the two countries.

    Wikipedia: 2008 visit by New York Philharmonic to North KoreaWikipedia: New York Philharmonic

    Photo: Jun Seita from Palo Alto, CA, U.S. / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Moments chosen for discovery, creativity and courage. Each one links to a source where you can read more; photos are credited to their owners.