1888day.year
Nikola Tesla delivers a lecture describing the equipment which will allow efficient generation and use of alternating currents to transmit electric power over long distances.
In 1888, Nikola Tesla introduced his groundbreaking alternating current system for efficient long-distance power transmission.
At a lecture before the American Institute of Electrical Engineers on May 16, 1888, Nikola Tesla unveiled his polyphase alternating current system.
Tesla demonstrated how rotating magnetic fields and induction motors could revolutionize power generation.
He explained the principles of transformers, generators, and motors working in a three-phase system.
The lecture laid the foundation for the modern electric power grid, enabling efficient long-distance transmission.
Tesla’s innovations challenged the direct current systems championed by Thomas Edison.
Within years, industry adoption of AC technology transformed global electrification and industrial growth.
1888
Nikola Tesla
alternating currents
transmit electric power
1891day.year
The International Electrotechnical Exhibition opened in Frankfurt, Germany, featuring the world's first long-distance transmission of high-power, three-phase electric current (the most common form today).
The 1891 Frankfurt exhibition showcased the first long-distance, high-power three-phase electric current transmission.
On May 16, 1891, the International Electrotechnical Exhibition opened in Frankfurt, Germany, showcasing cutting-edge electrical innovations.
Engineers transmitted three-phase alternating current over 175 kilometers from Lauffen to the exhibition grounds.
This demonstration proved the viability of long-distance, high-power power transmission.
Visitors saw electric lighting, motors, and industrial machinery powered entirely by AC systems.
The success bolstered public and industry confidence in AC technology pioneered by Tesla and others.
The exhibition influenced electrical standards and accelerated adoption of three-phase power worldwide.
1891
International Electrotechnical Exhibition
Frankfurt
three-phase electric current
1919day.year
A naval Curtiss NC-4 aircraft commanded by Albert Cushing Read leaves Trepassey, Newfoundland, for Lisbon via the Azores on the first transatlantic flight.
In 1919, the U.S. Navy's Curtiss NC-4 completed the first transatlantic flight, pioneering long-range aviation.
On May 16, 1919, the U.S. Navy Curtiss NC-4, commanded by Albert Cushing Read, departed Newfoundland for Lisbon.
The flight included stops in the Azores, marking the first successful crossing of the Atlantic by airplane.
Crews navigated primitive instruments and unpredictable weather, carrying mail and essential supplies.
Support ships followed the route, providing navigation aids and rescue readiness.
The NC-4 arrived in Lisbon on May 27, demonstrating the potential of long-range air travel.
This achievement laid groundwork for future commercial aviation and transoceanic air routes.
1919
Curtiss NC-4
Albert Cushing Read
Trepassey
Newfoundland
Lisbon
Azores
transatlantic flight
1960day.year
Theodore Maiman operates the first optical laser (a ruby laser), at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, California.
Physicist Theodore Maiman fires the first working optical (ruby) laser, marking a milestone in photonics and technology.
On May 16, 1960, physicist Theodore Maiman at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, California, operates the first working optical laser using a synthetic ruby crystal. His device produces coherent red light pulses by stimulating ruby atoms with intense flashlamp illumination. This breakthrough confirms earlier theoretical predictions and opens the door for numerous applications in science, medicine, and industry. The laser’s invention sparks rapid development of diverse laser types, including gas, semiconductor, and fiber lasers. Maiman’s experiment demonstrates the practical viability of the laser concept proposed by scientists such as Einstein and Townes. The ruby laser becomes a foundational technology for fields ranging from holography to optical communications. Today, lasers are ubiquitous in everyday devices, showcasing the enduring impact of Maiman’s achievement.
1960
Theodore Maiman
optical laser
ruby laser
Hughes Research Laboratories
Malibu, California
1969day.year
Venera program: Venera 5, a Soviet space probe, lands on Venus.
The Soviet space probe Venera 5 successfully lands on Venus, transmitting crucial data about its atmosphere.
Launched as part of the Venera program, Venera 5 touched down on Venus on May 16, 1969.
Despite crushing pressure and extreme temperatures, it survived long enough to send back data.
Its instruments measured atmospheric pressure, temperature, and chemical composition during descent.
This mission provided the first in situ insights into Venus’s hostile environment.
Though its operation lasted only 53 minutes, its findings were invaluable to planetary science.
Venera 5’s success marked a milestone in interplanetary exploration and paved the way for future Venus missions.
1969
Venera program
Venera 5
space probe
Venus
1988day.year
A report by the Surgeon General of the United States C. Everett Koop states that the addictive properties of nicotine are similar to those of heroin and cocaine.
A U.S. Surgeon General report finds nicotine’s addictive properties rival those of heroin and cocaine.
On May 16, 1988, Surgeon General C. Everett Koop released a landmark report on tobacco addiction.
The report concluded that nicotine alters the brain in ways similar to heroin and cocaine.
It highlighted the chemical’s powerful dependency and health risks associated with smoking.
Koop’s findings galvanized public health efforts and fueled anti-smoking campaigns.
The report influenced tobacco regulation, warning labels, and smoking cessation programs.
It marked a turning point in the global war against tobacco-related diseases.
1988
Surgeon General of the United States
C. Everett Koop
addictive
nicotine
heroin
cocaine
2011day.year
STS-134 (ISS assembly flight ULF6), launched from the Kennedy Space Center on the 25th and final flight for Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Space Shuttle Endeavour embarks on its final mission STS-134, supporting the International Space Station.
On May 16, 2011, Endeavour launched from Kennedy Space Center on mission STS-134.
It was the shuttle’s 25th and final flight, delivering the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer and supplies to the ISS.
The AMS is a particle physics detector designed to search for dark matter and antimatter.
Crews conducted spacewalks to install equipment and maintain the station’s external systems.
STS-134 symbolized the end of NASA’s shuttle era, concluding three decades of human spaceflight.
Endeavour safely returned to Earth, leaving a lasting legacy in space exploration.
2011
STS-134
ISS assembly
Kennedy Space Center
Space Shuttle
Endeavour