On this day

19 January in history.

5 moments from 1829 to 2007: discovery, creativity and courage, each with a source to read more.

5 moments

The old Soviet temporary Base ("Pole of Inaccessibility") reached by Team N2i on 19th January 2007. One can see the bust of V.I. Lenin, installed in the 1950s

2007

By kite to the hardest place in Antarctica. Four explorers travelling only on skis and pulled by kites reached the Pole of Inaccessibility, the point in Antarctica furthest from any coast, after a trek of over 1,700 kilometres.

Wikipedia: Pole of Inaccessibility research station

Photo: Cookson69 at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

More from 19 January

  1. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

    1829

    Goethe's Faust on stage

    The first part of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Faust was performed in a theatre for the first time.

    Wikipedia: Faust, Part OneWikipedia: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

    Photo: Joseph Karl Stieler / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  2. Il trovatore poster, 39 x 50 cm. Colour engraving (lithograph?)

    1853

    Verdi's Il trovatore premieres

    Giuseppe Verdi's opera Il trovatore was first performed in Rome.

    Wikipedia: Il trovatoreWikipedia: Giuseppe Verdi

    Photo: Luigi Morgari / Adam Cuerden / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  3. "Thomas Alva Edison, three-quarter length portrait, seated, facing front". Photographic print

    1883

    Lights on overhead wires

    In Roselle, New Jersey, Thomas Edison's company switched on the first electric lighting system that carried power on overhead wires.

    Wikipedia: Roselle, New JerseyWikipedia: Thomas Edison

    Photo: Louis Bachrach, Bachrach Studios , restored by Michel Vuijlsteke / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  4. Neon lights art installation

    1915

    Neon lights get a patent

    French inventor Georges Claude patented the neon tube for use in signs, bringing glowing colour to city streets.

    Wikipedia: Georges ClaudeWikipedia: Neon lighting

    Photo: Amin / 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.