On this day

3 November in history.

5 moments from 1791 to 1973: discovery, creativity and courage, each with a source to read more.

5 moments

1973

Mariner 10 sets off for Mercury. NASA sent Mariner 10 on its way to Mercury. When it arrived the following March, it was the first space probe ever to reach that planet.

Wikipedia: Mariner program

More from 3 November

  1. 1791

    The University of Vermont is chartered

    The University of Vermont received its charter, making it the oldest university in the state and the fifth oldest in New England.

    Wikipedia: University of Vermont

  2. Sheet music for Japan's national anthem, Kimigayo.

    1880

    Japan's anthem gets its tune

    Japan adopted the melody still used today for Kimigayo, its national anthem.

    Wikipedia: KimigayoWikipedia: National anthem

    Photo: Sakurambo / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  3. The Japanese poster for the 1954 film Godzilla.

    1954

    Godzilla stomps onto cinema screens

    Audiences across Japan met Godzilla for the first time, as the giant monster's very first film opened nationwide.

    Wikipedia: Godzilla (1954 film)Wikipedia: KaijuWikipedia: Godzilla

    Photo: Toho Company Ltd. (東宝株式会社) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  4. U Thant speaking at a press conference in 1963.

    1961

    U Thant leads the United Nations

    Every member agreed to appoint U Thant as the third Secretary-General of the United Nations. He was the first person from outside Europe to hold the job.

    Wikipedia: U ThantWikipedia: Secretary-General of the United Nations

    Photo: Jack de Nijs for Anefo / Anefo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0 nl)

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