1540day.year
Hernando de Alarcón sets sail on an expedition to the Gulf of California.
In 1540, Spanish navigator Hernando de Alarcón embarked on an expedition to explore and map the Gulf of California.
On May 9, 1540, Hernando de Alarcón set sail from Mexico City with the aim of discovering a navigable route to the Pacific and exploring the Gulf of California. Commissioned by the Spanish crown, his small fleet sought to link previous voyages by Cortés and gather geographic intelligence. Alarcón’s voyage reached the mouth of the Colorado River, where he made the earliest European contact with indigenous tribes in the region. His detailed logs and maps provided valuable information on coastal geography, climate, and native peoples. Despite facing harsh conditions and supply shortages, the expedition expanded Spain’s understanding of the North American west coast. Alarcón’s journey laid groundwork for future exploration, contributing to the mapping of what would become Baja California. His reports influenced colonial policy and maritime navigation for decades to come.
1540
Hernando de Alarcón
Gulf of California
1926day.year
Admiral Richard E. Byrd and Floyd Bennett claim to have flown over the North Pole (later discovery of Byrd's diary appears to cast some doubt on the claim.)
Admiral Richard E. Byrd and Floyd Bennett claim to have flown over the North Pole, an achievement later subject to historical debate.
On May 9, 1926, American aviators Admiral Richard E. Byrd and pilot Floyd Bennett announced they had flown over the North Pole in a Fokker tri-motor aircraft. The flight took off from Spitsbergen and covered roughly 1,500 miles in challenging Arctic conditions. Their triumphant claim was celebrated around the world as a major milestone in aviation and polar exploration. However, later scrutiny of Byrd’s diary entries raised questions about the exact route and whether they reached the true geographic North Pole. Despite the controversy, the expedition showcased advances in aircraft navigation and endurance. The flight inspired further polar research and cemented Byrd’s reputation as a pioneering explorer.
1926
Richard E. Byrd
Floyd Bennett
North Pole
1960day.year
The Food and Drug Administration announces it will approve birth control as an additional indication for Searle's Enovid, making Enovid the world's first approved oral contraceptive pill.
The FDA approves Searle's Enovid for birth control on May 9, 1960, making it the first oral contraceptive pill.
On May 9, 1960, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized an expanded indication for Enovid, originally developed for menstrual disorders. This approval made Enovid the first oral contraceptive pill available for family planning. The decision marked a turning point in reproductive health and women's rights. Doctors could now prescribe the pill explicitly to prevent pregnancy, leading to widespread use. Enovid's availability sparked debates on morality, societal roles, and population control. The contraceptive revolution empowered women and transformed sexual behavior, sparking a broader cultural shift in the 1960s.
1960
Food and Drug Administration
birth control
indication
Searle
Enovid
oral contraceptive pill