1829day.year
In the United States, William Austin Burt patents the typographer, a precursor to the typewriter.
William Austin Burt patented the typographer in 1829, an early mechanical writing device that paved the way for the modern typewriter.
On July 23, 1829, American inventor William Austin Burt was granted U.S. Patent No. 6412 for his typographer.
This apparatus used a revolving dial and mechanical striking mechanism to imprint characters one at a time on paper.
Despite its cumbersome design and slow operation, it represented a major innovation in writing technology.
Burt’s invention highlighted the potential for mechanical assistance in clerical work and communication.
Although it did not achieve widespread commercial success, the typographer inspired future inventors.
Historians regard Burt’s patent as a key precursor to the typewriters that transformed office work later in the 19th century.
1829
William Austin Burt
typographer
typewriter
1926day.year
Fox Film buys the patents of the Movietone sound system for recording sound onto film.
In 1926, Fox Film acquired patents for the Movietone sound-on-film system, revolutionizing motion picture sound technology.
The Fox Film Corporation purchased key patents for the Movietone system on July 23, 1926, enabling synchronized sound recording directly onto film. Movietone improved audio quality over earlier sound-on-disc methods and simplified projection. Fox News released the first Movietone newsreels, captivating audiences with synchronized dialogue and music. This innovation accelerated the transition from silent films to 'talkies'. By integrating sound technology, Movietone reshaped cinematic storytelling and industry standards worldwide.
1926
Fox Film
Movietone sound system
1962day.year
Telstar relays the first publicly transmitted, live trans-Atlantic television program, featuring Walter Cronkite.
Telstar broadcasts the first live transatlantic television signal, featuring a segment hosted by journalist Walter Cronkite.
On July 23, 1962, the Telstar communications satellite enabled the first public live television transmission between North America and Europe. Developed by Bell Labs and launched earlier that month, Telstar used a single transponder to relay video and audio signals across the Atlantic. Walter Cronkite, anchoring from the United States, introduced viewers to images of European landmarks and dignitaries. The broadcast included live footage, music performances, and a message from President Kennedy, showcasing the potential of space-based communications. Although Telstar's low orbital inclination limited transmission windows to brief intervals, it proved the feasibility of global satellite television. This milestone laid the groundwork for modern international broadcasting and global media connectivity. Telstar's success marked the dawn of the satellite communications era.
1962
Telstar
Walter Cronkite
1972day.year
The United States launches Landsat 1, the first Earth-resources satellite.
The United States launches Landsat 1, the pioneering Earth-resources satellite.
On July 23, 1972, NASA successfully placed Landsat 1 into orbit on a Delta rocket, inaugurating the first civilian satellite program dedicated to monitoring Earth’s resources. Equipped with multispectral scanners and return beam video systems, the satellite began collecting data on vegetation, land use, and water resources. Landsat’s imagery revolutionized environmental science, agriculture management, and urban planning by providing consistent global observations. Over the following decades, the Landsat program grew into the longest-running enterprise for Earth observation. The data have supported climate research, disaster response, and natural resource conservation worldwide. Landsat 1’s launch marked the birth of satellite remote sensing as a vital tool for understanding our planet.
1972
Landsat 1
satellite
1980day.year
Phạm Tuân becomes the first Vietnamese citizen and the first Asian in space when he flies aboard the Soyuz 37 mission as an Intercosmos Research Cosmonaut.
Phạm Tuân becomes the first Vietnamese and Asian astronaut aboard Soyuz 37.
On July 23, 1980, Phạm Tuân launched aboard the Soviet Soyuz 37 spacecraft as part of the Intercosmos program, making history as the first Vietnamese citizen and fourth Asian in space. During the eight-day mission, he conducted experiments on Earth observation, materials processing, and space biology. The mission symbolized Soviet-Vietnamese cooperation during the Cold War and boosted national pride in Vietnam. Phạm’s flight inspired future generations of scientists and highlighted the expanding international reach of space exploration. He returned safely to Earth, paving the way for broader participation by non-Soviet and non-American astronauts. His achievement remains a landmark in Vietnam’s scientific and aerospace history.
1980
Phạm Tuân
Vietnamese
Intercosmos
1995day.year
Comet Hale–Bopp is discovered; it becomes visible to the naked eye on Earth nearly a year later.
Comet Hale–Bopp was discovered on July 23, 1995, later becoming one of the brightest comets visible to the naked eye in decades.
On July 23, 1995, amateur astronomers Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp independently discovered a new comet that would later be named Hale–Bopp. The comet's large nucleus and high water and dust production rates made it exceptionally bright, rivaling the appearance of Comet Halley. Hale–Bopp reached its perihelion in April 1997, when it became visible to the naked eye even from urban areas. Millions of people worldwide tracked the comet across the night sky, and it inspired extensive scientific study and public fascination. The event also sparked widespread, though unfounded, doomsday rumors related to the Heaven's Gate cult. Spacecraft observations and ground-based telescopes provided insights into the comet's composition and coma structure. Hale–Bopp remains one of the most observed and photographed comets in history. Its discovery highlighted the valuable contributions of amateur skywatchers to astronomy.
1995
Comet Hale–Bopp
1999day.year
Space Shuttle Columbia launches on STS-93, with Eileen Collins becoming the first female space shuttle commander. The shuttle also carried and deployed the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
Space Shuttle Columbia launched on STS-93 on July 23, 1999, commanded by Eileen Collins, the first woman to lead a shuttle mission.
On July 23, 1999, NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia lifted off on the STS-93 mission, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Eileen Collins. Collins made history as the first woman to serve as a space shuttle mission commander. The primary objective of STS-93 was to deploy the Chandra X-ray Observatory, a cutting-edge telescope designed to observe high-energy regions of the universe. After deployment, Columbia performed a series of maneuvers to verify Chandra's solar arrays and instruments. Over the course of the five-day mission, the crew conducted experiments in microgravity and tested new spacecraft systems. Chandra went on to provide groundbreaking X-ray images of black holes, supernova remnants, and galaxy clusters. STS-93 showcased both technological prowess and a milestone in gender equality within NASA. The mission's success laid the groundwork for future astronomical discoveries.
Space Shuttle Columbia
STS-93
Eileen Collins
Chandra X-ray Observatory
2012day.year
The Solar storm of 2012 was an unusually large coronal mass ejection that was emitted by the Sun which barely missed the Earth by nine days. If it hit, it would have caused up to US$2.6 trillion in damages to electrical equipment worldwide.
The Solar storm of 2012 was a massive coronal mass ejection that narrowly missed Earth by nine days.
On July 23, 2012, the Sun emitted one of the most powerful coronal mass ejections (CMEs) ever recorded. The CME traveled through space and narrowly missed Earth by approximately nine days. Scientists estimate that had it impacted the planet, the event could have caused up to US$2.6 trillion in damage to electrical and communication infrastructures. NASA's STEREO-A spacecraft captured detailed observations of the eruption, providing valuable insights into the storm's velocity and magnetic properties. The near-miss highlighted the vulnerability of modern technology to space weather events. In response, researchers and governments emphasized the need for improved monitoring and preparedness. The 2012 solar storm remains a key case study in solar physics and disaster readiness.
2012
Solar storm of 2012
coronal mass ejection
Sun
Earth
2015day.year
NASA announces discovery of Kepler-452b by the Kepler space telescope.
NASA announced the discovery of Kepler-452b, an Earth-like exoplanet in the habitable zone, by the Kepler space telescope.
On July 23, 2015, NASA revealed that the Kepler space telescope had identified Kepler-452b, an exoplanet orbiting within the habitable zone of a Sun-like star. Located approximately 1,400 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus, Kepler-452b is the smallest planet found in such a zone around a star similar to our Sun. The discovery represented a milestone in the search for potentially habitable worlds beyond our Solar System. With an orbital period of 385 days and an estimated surface composition, the planet may have conditions suitable for liquid water. Researchers emphasized that further study would be necessary to determine its atmosphere and habitability. The announcement reignited public interest in exoplanet exploration and inspired future missions. Kepler-452b remains a prime target for ongoing astronomical investigations.
2015
NASA
Kepler-452b
Kepler space telescope