May 29

Events - Science & Technology

1919day.year

Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity is tested (later confirmed) by Arthur Eddington and Andrew Claude de la Cherois Crommelin.

Arthur Eddington's 1919 expedition provided the first experimental confirmation of Einstein's general relativity by observing starlight deflection during a solar eclipse.
In May 1919, astronomers Sir Arthur Eddington and Andrew Claude de la Cherois Crommelin led expeditions to observe the total solar eclipse on May 29. Using photographic plates taken from Principe Island and Sobral, Brazil, they measured the deflection of starlight by the Sun's gravity. Their results matched Einstein's predictions from the theory of general relativity, published in 1915. The confirmation catapulted Einstein to international fame and revolutionized our understanding of gravity. It marked a major milestone in physics, challenging Newtonian concepts and paving the way for modern cosmology. The success of the expedition underscores the power of scientific collaboration and rigorous observation.
1919 Albert Einstein general relativity is tested Arthur Eddington Andrew Claude de la Cherois Crommelin
1935day.year

First flight of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter aeroplane.

On May 29, 1935, the Messerschmitt Bf 109, one of the most iconic World War II fighter planes, took to the skies for its maiden flight.
The Bf 109 was the brainchild of German engineer Willy Messerschmitt, designed to meet the Luftwaffe's needs for a modern, high-performance fighter. On this day, Chief Test Pilot Fritz Wendel piloted the prototype V1 at Augsburg, Germany. The aircraft's advanced features, including all-metal construction and an inverted V12 engine, marked a new era in aerial combat design. Despite initial handling challenges, the Bf 109 quickly proved its value. It would go on to become the backbone of Germany's air force during World War II. With over 33,000 units produced, it remains the most produced fighter aircraft in history. Its development set standards for speed, agility, and firepower in military aviation.
1935 Messerschmitt Bf 109
1999day.year

Space Shuttle Discovery completes the first docking with the International Space Station.

In 1999, Space Shuttle Discovery achieved the first docking with the International Space Station, marking a milestone in international collaboration and space exploration.
In May 1999, NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery performed the inaugural docking with the incomplete International Space Station (ISS), establishing a vital link for future crew and supply missions. The STS-96 crew delivered essential equipment and conducted spacewalk preparations to outfit the ISS. Precise rendezvous and docking maneuvers validated the station’s hardware and international cooperation. Astronauts demonstrated advanced orbital piloting techniques, setting the stage for continuous human presence in low Earth orbit. The mission lasted over nine days, furthering research in microgravity and long-duration spaceflight. Discovery’s success underscored the ISS as a symbol of global scientific partnership and paved the way for subsequent assembly missions.
Space Shuttle Discovery first docking International Space Station