1818day.year
Physicist Augustin Fresnel reads a memoir on optical rotation to the French Academy of Sciences, reporting that when polarized light is "depolarized" by a Fresnel rhomb, its properties are preserved in any subsequent passage through an optically-rotating crystal or liquid.
In 1818, Augustin Fresnel presented his breakthrough experiments on optical rotation to the French Academy of Sciences, advancing the understanding of polarized light.
Physicist Augustin Fresnel appeared before the French Academy of Sciences on March 30, 1818, to present a memoir detailing his investigations into optical rotation. He demonstrated that polarized light passed through a Fresnel rhomb retained its polarization characteristics when transmitted through rotating crystals or liquids. Fresnel’s findings provided strong support for the wave theory of light by explaining the phenomenon of optical activity. His experiments clarified how light interacts with matter at a molecular level and introduced the Fresnel rhomb as a precise tool for manipulating polarization. The work laid foundational principles for modern optics and photonics, influencing the design of polarimetric instruments. Fresnel’s memoir cemented his reputation as one of the leading scientists of the 19th century. The principles he unveiled remain essential in fields such as crystallography and optical engineering.
1818
Augustin Fresnel
optical rotation
French Academy of Sciences
Fresnel rhomb
1842day.year
Ether anesthesia is used for the first time, in an operation by the American surgeon Dr. Crawford Long.
In 1842, Dr. Crawford Long performed the first operation using ether anesthesia in Georgia, pioneering pain-free surgery.
On March 30, 1842, American surgeon Dr. Crawford Long administered diethyl ether to patient James Venable before removing a tumor from his neck in Jefferson, Georgia. The patient experienced no pain during the procedure, marking the first documented use of ether anesthesia in surgery. Although Long did not immediately publish his results, his successful demonstration provided a revolutionary method for pain management during operations. The advent of surgical anesthesia transformed medical practice by enabling longer and more complex procedures. Ether soon spread to hospitals around the world, saving countless lives and reducing patient suffering. Long’s work laid the groundwork for modern anesthesiology, even though credit for the discovery was contested at the time. The 1842 operation is celebrated as a milestone in medical history.
1842
Ether
anesthesia
Dr.
Crawford Long
1861day.year
Discovery of the chemical elements: Sir William Crookes announces his discovery of thallium.
On March 30, 1861, Sir William Crookes announced his discovery of thallium, a new chemical element identified by its brilliant green spectral line.
British chemist and physicist Sir William Crookes detected thallium while analyzing mineral residues at the Royal Institution. He named the element from the Greek 'thallos,' meaning green shoot, after observing its distinct green spectral line. Crookes published detailed experiments on thallium's properties and isolation methods. The discovery expanded the periodic table and spurred further research into rare metals. Later, thallium found uses in electronics and glass manufacturing, despite its toxic nature. Crookes' work exemplified the vibrant era of 19th-century scientific exploration.
1861
Discovery of the chemical elements
William Crookes
thallium
1899day.year
German Society of Chemistry issues an invitation to other national scientific organizations to appoint delegates to the International Committee on Atomic Weights.
On March 30, 1899, the German Society of Chemistry invited national scientific organizations to appoint delegates to the newly formed International Committee on Atomic Weights.
In an effort to standardize atomic weight measurements, the German Society of Chemistry led the creation of an international oversight body. Representatives from major chemical societies across Europe convened to ensure consistency in atomic mass determinations. This collaboration improved precision in both academic research and industrial applications. The committee's work laid the groundwork for the future International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Their protocols for calibrating atomic weights remain influential in modern chemical metrology. The 1899 initiative exemplified the era's commitment to scientific cooperation and standardization.
1899
International Committee on Atomic Weights
1900day.year
Archaeologists in Knossos, Crete, discover the first clay tablet with hieroglyphic writing in a script later called Linear B.
On March 30, 1900, archaeologists at Knossos in Crete unearthed a clay tablet inscribed with a previously unknown hieroglyphic script that would later be known as Linear B.
Sir Arthur Evans led excavations at the Minoan palace complex of Knossos and discovered a tablet bearing enigmatic symbols. Initially termed 'hieroglyphic,' these signs were eventually classified as Linear B after further finds. In the 1950s, linguist Michael Ventris deciphered Linear B, revealing it to be an early form of Greek used by Mycenaean administrators. The 1900 discovery sparked a century-long interdisciplinary quest linking archaeology, linguistics, and ancient history. It illuminated Bronze Age Aegean bureaucracy and transformed understanding of pre-Classical civilizations. Linear B tablets remain vital sources for reconstructing Mycenaean society and economy.
1900
Archaeologists
Knossos
Crete
clay tablet
hieroglyphic
Linear B
1939day.year
The Heinkel He 100 fighter sets a world airspeed record of 463 mph (745 km/h).
A German Heinkel He 100 fighter prototype shatters the world airspeed record with a top speed of 745 km/h.
On March 30, 1939, the Heinkel He 100, Germany’s cutting-edge fighter prototype, achieved an unprecedented maximum speed of 745 km/h (463 mph). Powered by a Daimler-Benz DB 601 engine and featuring sleek aerodynamics, it surpassed British and American records of the era. Although never mass-produced due to shifting wartime priorities, this feat demonstrated the rapid pace of aviation innovation on the eve of World War II. The record highlighted Heinkel’s engineering prowess and inspired subsequent high-speed aircraft designs. It remains a notable milestone in the history of military aviation.
1939
Heinkel He 100
world airspeed record
1982day.year
Space Shuttle program: STS-3 mission is completed with the landing of Columbia at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.
The Space Shuttle Columbia completes its STS-3 mission, landing at White Sands Missile Range on March 30, 1982.
On March 30, 1982, NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia completed the STS-3 mission with a successful landing at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Originally scheduled to land at Edwards Air Force Base, the mission was diverted due to unfavorable weather conditions. During the eight-day flight, Columbia's crew conducted scientific experiments in materials science and monitored the shuttle's thermal protection systems. Commander Jack Lousma and Pilot C. Gordon Fullerton validated procedures for shuttle reuse and emergency operations. The mission's accomplishments reinforced confidence in the Space Shuttle program. STS-3 paved the way for more ambitious scientific and technological endeavors in Earth orbit.
1982
Space Shuttle program
STS-3
Columbia
White Sands Missile Range
New Mexico
2017day.year
SpaceX conducts the world's first reflight of an orbital class rocket.
SpaceX achieved the first successful reflight of an orbital-class rocket, ushering in a new era of reusable spaceflight.
On March 30, 2017, SpaceX launched the SES-10 communications satellite aboard a previously flown Falcon 9 first stage booster.
This mission marked the first time an orbital-class rocket was reflown and successfully reached orbit.
The reused booster previously flew on the CRS-10 resupply mission to the International Space Station.
The historic launch demonstrated the viability of booster recovery and refurbishment for cost-effective space access.
It paved the way for regular rocket reuse, driving down launch costs and increasing launch cadence.
SpaceX’s achievement reshaped the economics of spaceflight and spurred innovation across the aerospace industry.
2017
SpaceX
reflight