1918day.year
Emmy Noether's paper, which became known as Noether's theorem was presented at Göttingen, Germany, from which conservation laws are deduced for symmetries of angular momentum, linear momentum, and energy.
In 1918, mathematician Emmy Noether presented her groundbreaking theorem at Göttingen, revealing the deep connection between symmetries and conservation laws in physics.
Emmy Noether’s paper, presented on July 26, 1918, at the University of Göttingen, formulated what would become known as Noether’s theorem. The theorem established that every differentiable symmetry of the action of a physical system corresponds to a conservation law. In particular, invariance under time translation yields energy conservation, spatial translation yields linear momentum conservation, and rotational symmetry yields angular momentum conservation. Noether’s insight provided a unifying principle in theoretical physics and profoundly influenced the development of both classical and quantum mechanics. Despite working in an era that often overlooked women in science, Noether’s contributions have earned her a lasting legacy. Her theorem remains a cornerstone of modern physics and mathematics.
1918
Emmy Noether
Noether's theorem
Göttingen
conservation laws
angular momentum
linear momentum
energy
1958day.year
Explorer program: Explorer 4 is launched.
Explorer 4, part of the U.S. Explorer satellite program, was launched in 1958 to study Earth’s radiation belts.
On July 26, 1958, the United States launched Explorer 4 aboard a Juno I rocket. The mission followed earlier Explorer flights and aimed to investigate the Van Allen radiation belts. Explorer 4 carried instruments to measure charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field. Although it faced instrument failures, the satellite provided valuable data on radiation levels in orbit. It remained operational for over a year before reentering the atmosphere in 1960. Its scientific achievements contributed to the understanding of near-Earth space and paved the way for future space research.
1958
Explorer program
Explorer 4
1963day.year
Syncom 2, the world's first geosynchronous satellite, is launched from Cape Canaveral on a Delta B booster.
In 1963, the United States launched Syncom 2, the world’s first geosynchronous communications satellite, from Cape Canaveral.
Syncom 2 lifted off on July 26, 1963, aboard a Delta B rocket from Cape Canaveral. It became the first satellite to achieve a geosynchronous orbit, appearing stationary relative to the Earth’s surface. Equipped with communication repeaters, it demonstrated the feasibility of global telecommunications via satellite. The success of Syncom 2 laid the groundwork for modern communications, weather monitoring, and television broadcasting. Its achievements heralded a new era in space technology and international connectivity. The mission solidified the importance of satellite communications during the Cold War.
1963
Syncom 2
geosynchronous satellite
1971day.year
Apollo program: Launch of Apollo 15 on the first Apollo "J-Mission", and first use of a Lunar Roving Vehicle.
On July 26, 1971, NASA launched Apollo 15, the first of its 'J missions', featuring the first use of a Lunar Roving Vehicle on the Moon.
Apollo 15 lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on July 26, 1971, aboard a Saturn V rocket. It marked the first 'J mission' with extended lunar exploration capabilities. Astronauts David Scott, Alfred Worden, and James Irwin conducted in-depth geological surveys at the Hadley-Apennine site. For the first time, the crew deployed the Lunar Roving Vehicle, greatly expanding their range on the Moon's surface. The mission returned more scientific samples and data than previous flights. Apollo 15's success demonstrated the value of enhanced mobility for lunar science. Its achievements influenced the design of subsequent Apollo missions.
1971
Apollo program
Apollo 15
J-Mission
Lunar Roving Vehicle
1989day.year
A federal grand jury indicts Cornell University student Robert T. Morris, Jr. for releasing the Morris worm, thus becoming the first person to be prosecuted under the 1986 Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
Robert T. Morris, Jr. becomes the first person indicted under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act for releasing the Morris worm.
On July 26, 1989, a federal grand jury indicted Cornell University student Robert T. Morris, Jr.
He was accused of releasing the Morris worm, one of the first computer worms to spread via the internet.
This indictment marked the first prosecution under the newly enacted 1986 Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
The case set a precedent for how cybersecurity offenses would be legally addressed in the digital age.
It underscored the growing challenges of internet security and the need for legal frameworks to combat cybercrime.
The trial drew widespread media attention and highlighted the potential for individual actions to impact global networks.
1989
grand jury
Cornell University
Robert T. Morris, Jr.
Morris worm
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act
2005day.year
Space Shuttle program: STS-114 Mission: Launch of Discovery, NASA's first scheduled flight mission after the Columbia Disaster in 2003.
NASA launches Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-114, resuming flights after the Columbia disaster.
On July 26, 2005, NASA launched Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-114, the first scheduled shuttle flight since the Columbia disaster in 2003.
The mission focused on testing new safety procedures and inspection techniques designed to prevent future tragedies.
Astronauts conducted spacewalks and delivered supplies and equipment for the International Space Station.
Discovery's successful flight marked a triumphant return for NASA's shuttle program and boosted confidence in the agency’s safety reforms.
The mission’s achievements informed subsequent shuttle missions and contributed to the continued operation of the ISS.
STS-114 remains a significant milestone in human spaceflight history.
2005
Space Shuttle program
STS-114
Discovery
NASA
Columbia Disaster
2003
2016day.year
Solar Impulse 2 becomes the first solar-powered aircraft to circumnavigate the Earth.
Solar Impulse 2 completed the first solar-powered flight around the world on July 26, 2016.
Launched in March 2015, Solar Impulse 2 embarked on a groundbreaking journey covering over 26,000 miles using only solar energy. Equipped with high-efficiency photovoltaic cells, it charged its batteries by day to enable night flights without fossil fuel. Pilots Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg alternated throughout the mission, navigating remote oceans and continents. The successful circumnavigation demonstrated the viability of renewable aviation technology and sparked global interest in clean transportation solutions. This milestone highlighted the potential for sustainable innovation in aerospace.
Solar Impulse 2
Earth