On this day

17 March in history.

5 moments from 1337 to 1992: discovery, creativity and courage, each with a source to read more.

5 moments

Vanguard 1 satellite (NASA)

1958

A satellite powered by the Sun. Vanguard 1 was launched, the first satellite to run on solar power. It is still circling Earth, the oldest human-made object in orbit.

Wikipedia: Vanguard 1

Photo: NASA photo (retouched) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

More from 17 March

  1. Tomba Príncep Negre de la Catedral de Canterbury

    1337

    England's first duke

    Edward, the eldest son of King Edward III, was made Duke of Cornwall, the first dukedom in England.

    Wikipedia: Edward the Black PrinceWikipedia: Duke of Cornwall

    Photo: Josep Renalias / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)

  2. An assortment of trains at Helsinki Central Station (L–R): a VR class Sm3 train, and a rake of VR double deck coaches

    1862

    Finland's first railway

    The railway between Helsinki and Hämeenlinna opened, the first in Finland.

    Wikipedia: Rail transport in Finland

    Photo: Bahnfrend / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

  3. Californium

    1950

    Element 98, californium

    Scientists at Berkeley announced a new element they had made, and named it after their state and university.

    Wikipedia: Californium

    Photo: United States Department of Energy (see File:Einsteinium.jpg ) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  4. 1992 South African apartheid referendum

    1992

    South Africa votes to end apartheid

    White South African voters backed reforms to end apartheid by more than two to one, clearing the way for a new democracy.

    Wikipedia: 1992 South African apartheid referendum

    Photo: Htonl / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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