September 26

On September 26, 1905, Albert Einstein published one of his Annus Mirabilis papers in the journal Annalen der Physik, presenting the special theory of relativity. This revolutionary work proposed that the laws of physics remain the same in all inertial frames and that the speed of light in a vacuum is a constant. Einstein's theory introduced core concepts such as time dilation, length contraction, and the relativity of simultaneity, challenging classical Newtonian mechanics. Initially met with skepticism, the paper's predictive accuracy in experiments quickly led to widespread acceptance. Special relativity transformed the understanding of space, time, and energy, paving the way for the famous equation E=mc². The ideas laid the foundation for Einstein's later development of general relativity and influenced quantum theory. Today, special relativity remains a cornerstone of modern physics.

In September 1983, the Soyuz-U rocket carrying spacecraft Soyuz 7K-ST No. 16L exploded on the launch pad moments before liftoff. Its automated launch escape system activated and propelled the crew capsule to safety. The cosmonauts endured high G-forces but landed unharmed. This incident marked the first real-world test of the Soyuz escape mechanism in an emergency. The success of the system validated its design and influenced future crewed space missions.