1850day.year
Vega became the first star (other than the Sun) to be photographed.
The star Vega is captured in the first-ever photograph of a celestial object beyond the Sun.
On July 17, 1850, astronomers at Harvard College Observatory captured the first photographic image of Vega, a bright star in the constellation Lyra. Using a telescope fitted with light-sensitive plates, they produced a faint yet permanent exposure, marking the first celestial object beyond the Moon to be photographed. Prior to this success, photography had been limited to terrestrial and lunar subjects. The lengthy exposure time tested the limits of early photographic chemistry and instrumentation. This achievement paved the way for deeper exploration of the universe through astrophotography, revolutionizing modern astronomy.
1850
Vega
1867day.year
Harvard School of Dental Medicine is established in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the first dental school in the U.S. that is affiliated with a university.
Harvard opens the nation's first dental school affiliated with a university, pioneering formal dental education.
On July 17, 1867, Harvard University established its School of Dental Medicine in Boston, setting a new standard for dental education in the United States. As the first dental institution tied directly to a major university, it combined rigorous medical coursework with practical clinical training in state-of-the-art facilities. This innovation elevated dentistry from a trade to a recognized medical profession, emphasizing scientific principles in oral health. Graduates gained comprehensive skills in diagnosis, surgery, and preventive care, shaping the profession's future. The school’s alumni played crucial roles in research and the development of modern dental practices.
1867
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Boston
1902day.year
Willis Carrier creates the first air conditioner in Buffalo, New York.
Inventor Willis Carrier develops the first modern air conditioning system in Buffalo.
On July 17, 1902, engineer Willis Carrier installed the world’s first electrical air conditioning unit at a printing plant in Buffalo, New York. Designed to control humidity and temperature, the system used cooled coils and fans to reduce moisture in the air, improving print quality. Carrier’s innovation revolutionized industrial processes and later transformed architecture, allowing comfortable indoor environments in homes and offices worldwide. His company, Carrier Corporation, became a leader in HVAC technology.
1902
Willis Carrier
air conditioner
Buffalo, New York
1938day.year
Douglas Corrigan takes off from Brooklyn to fly the "wrong way" to Ireland and becomes known as "Wrong Way" Corrigan.
On July 17, 1938, aviator Douglas Corrigan departed Brooklyn and, claiming a navigational error, flew his plane across the Atlantic to Ireland, earning the nickname "Wrong Way" Corrigan.
Douglas Corrigan, a former air mail pilot with limited funding, had long sought permission for a transatlantic flight to Ireland but was denied by authorities due to concerns over his aircraft’s readiness. Determined, he prepared his modified Curtiss Robin monoplane in Brooklyn, filing flight plans that ostensibly headed towards California. Instead, he steered eastward and landed safely in Baldonnel Aerodrome near Dublin after 28 hours in the air. Corrigan cheekily maintained that a compass malfunction led to his unintended Irish destination, though many suspected a calculated stunt. His feat captured public imagination during the Great Depression, making him a folk hero and symbol of audacious individualism.
1938
Douglas Corrigan
Brooklyn
1962day.year
Nuclear weapons testing: The "Small Boy" test shot Little Feller I becomes the last atmospheric test detonation at the Nevada National Security Site.
The Little Feller I test shot "Small Boy" becomes the last atmospheric nuclear detonation at the Nevada National Security Site, closing an era of above-ground testing.
On July 17, 1962, as part of Operation Sunbeam, the United States conducted the Little Feller I test, nicknamed "Small Boy," at the Nevada National Security Site.
This detonation marked the final atmospheric nuclear weapons test on U.S. soil before the Partial Test Ban Treaty took effect.
The device was a low-yield tactical weapon, demonstrating advanced deliverability and reliability under realistic conditions.
The test reflected Cold War tensions and the ongoing arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Growing public concern over radioactive fallout and environmental impacts prompted international pressure to limit atmospheric testing.
The shift to underground testing later that year signaled a new direction in nuclear arms control and non-proliferation efforts.
1962
Nuclear weapons testing
Little Feller I
Nevada National Security Site
1975day.year
Apollo–Soyuz Test Project: An American Apollo and a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft dock with each other in orbit marking the first such link-up between spacecraft from the two nations.
For the first time on July 17, 1975, American and Soviet spacecraft dock in orbit during the Apollo–Soyuz Test Project, symbolizing Cold War détente and technological cooperation.
On July 17, 1975, the Apollo–Soyuz Test Project achieved the first international crewed space docking between the American Apollo and Soviet Soyuz spacecraft.
The joint mission marked a historic moment in space exploration and a thaw in Cold War hostilities.
Crews conducted scientific experiments, exchanged gifts, and tested universal docking mechanisms while orbiting Earth.
The collaboration demonstrated the potential for peaceful cooperation beyond geopolitical rivalries.
Engineers had to bridge differences in spacecraft design, communication protocols, and life support systems.
Apollo–Soyuz paved the way for later international partnerships, including the Shuttle–Mir program and the International Space Station.
1975
Apollo–Soyuz Test Project
Apollo
Soyuz spacecraft
orbit
1985day.year
Founding of the EUREKA Network by former head of states François Mitterrand (France) and Helmut Kohl (Germany).
The EUREKA Network, a European research and development initiative, is established by French President François Mitterrand and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl.
On July 17, 1985, French President François Mitterrand and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl launched the EUREKA Network to foster cross-border research collaboration.
EUREKA aims to support industrial R&D projects in Europe, bringing together governments, academia, and private sector.
The initiative sought to enhance Europe's competitiveness in science and technology during the burgeoning era of global innovation.
Member countries jointly funded projects in areas like telecommunications, biotechnology, and information technology.
Over the years, EUREKA has expanded to include more than 40 member countries and has supported over 7,000 projects.
By facilitating partnerships and reducing bureaucratic barriers, the network has become a cornerstone of European research policy.
1985
EUREKA Network
François Mitterrand
Helmut Kohl
1989day.year
First flight of the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber.
The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth bomber makes its inaugural flight, demonstrating advanced stealth capabilities.
On July 17, 1989, the B-2 Spirit, a groundbreaking stealth bomber developed by Northrop Grumman, took to the skies for its first flight.
Designed to evade radar detection with its flying-wing design and radar-absorbent materials, the B-2 represented a leap in military aviation.
The aircraft's maiden flight occurred at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, marking a milestone in U.S. defense technology.
Developed during the late Cold War era, the B-2 was intended to penetrate heavily defended enemy airspace.
Its capabilities include long-range missions, high payload capacity, and low observable technology.
Only 21 B-2s were built due to high production costs, but they remain a key component of the U.S. strategic bomber force.
1989
B-2 Spirit
2018day.year
Scott S. Sheppard announces that his team has discovered a dozen irregular moons of Jupiter.
Astronomer Scott S. Sheppard announces the discovery of a dozen new irregular moons orbiting Jupiter, expanding our knowledge of the giant planet.
On July 17, 2018, astronomer Scott S. Sheppard and his team announced the discovery of twelve new irregular moons orbiting Jupiter.
These distant satellites follow eccentric and highly inclined orbits, revealing complex gravitational interactions.
The observations were made using ground-based telescopes over several months of tracking.
The discovery expands the known Jovian satellite system to 79 moons, shedding light on the giant planet's formation history.
Understanding these small bodies helps scientists study planetary accretion and migration processes in the early solar system.
2018
Scott S. Sheppard
moons of Jupiter