On this day

16 May in history.

5 moments from 1888 to 1977: discovery, creativity and courage, each with a source to read more.

5 moments

Junko Tabei 85

1975

Junko Tabei tops Everest. Junko Tabei of Japan became the first woman to reach the top of Mount Everest, 12 days after surviving an avalanche.

Wikipedia: Junko Tabei

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

More from 16 May

  1. A photograph image of Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) at age 34

    1888

    Tesla explains AC power

    Nikola Tesla gave a lecture describing his alternating current motor and system, the basis of how electricity reaches homes today.

    Wikipedia: Nikola TeslaWikipedia: Alternating current

    Photo: Napoleon Sarony / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  2. A 2015 photo of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, California

    1929

    The first Academy Awards

    The first Oscars ceremony lasted about 15 minutes, at a hotel in Hollywood.

    Wikipedia: 1st Academy Awards

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

  3. Press photo taken for the Los Angeles Reader on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the laser at T. Maiman's Los Angeles home

    1960

    The first laser shines

    Theodore Maiman switched on the first working laser, using a small ruby crystal, in California.

    Wikipedia: Theodore MaimanWikipedia: Laser

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

  4. Nolan Bushnell

    1977

    Pizza with a show

    The first Chuck E. Cheese restaurant, with games and singing animal robots, opened in San Jose, California.

    Wikipedia: Chuck E. Cheese

    Photo: Tech Cocktail / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 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.