1904day.year
English engineer John Ambrose Fleming receives a patent for the thermionic valve (vacuum tube).
In 1904, engineer John Ambrose Fleming patented the thermionic valve, pioneering vacuum tube technology.
British physicist and electrical engineer John Ambrose Fleming developed the first practical vacuum tube, known as the thermionic valve, on November 16, 1904. This innovation allowed electric current to flow in one direction through a heated filament in a vacuum, acting as a reliable detector and amplifier for electrical signals. Fleming’s valve revolutionized early wireless communication by improving radio signal reception. The invention paved the way for diode and triode technologies, which became fundamental components in radios, televisions, and early computers. The thermionic valve dominated electronics for the first half of the twentieth century. Fleming’s patent laid the groundwork for modern electronics and earned him recognition as a pioneer in the field of electrical engineering.
1904
John Ambrose Fleming
thermionic valve
1938day.year
LSD is first synthesized by Albert Hofmann from ergotamine at the Sandoz Laboratories in Basel.
Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann first synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) at Sandoz Laboratories, ushering in a new era in psychopharmacology.
On November 16, 1938, Dr. Albert Hofmann isolated LSD-25 while researching ergot alkaloids at Sandoz in Basel, Switzerland. Though its psychoactive effects went undiscovered until researchers revisited LSD in 1943, the compound later became central to studies of brain chemistry and consciousness. Sandoz began distributing LSD under the trade name Delysid in 1947 for psychiatric therapy. By the 1950s and 1960s, LSD attracted attention for its potential in treating mental illness and its influential role in counterculture movements. Despite controversy over recreational use and legal restrictions, LSD’s synthesis remains a landmark in the history of chemical research and psychiatry.
1938
LSD
Albert Hofmann
1965day.year
Venera program: The Soviet Union launches the Venera 3 space probe toward Venus, which will be the first spacecraft to reach the surface of another planet.
The Soviet Union launched the Venera 3 probe toward Venus, destined to become the first human-made object to reach another planet's surface.
On November 16, 1965, the USSR's Venera 3 spacecraft lifted off aboard a Molniya rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Part of the Venera program, it carried scientific instruments designed to study Venus's atmosphere and surface. Although radio contact was lost before it entered Venus's atmosphere, Venera 3 continued toward its target on a ballistic trajectory. On March 1, 1966, it became the first human-made object to impact the surface of another planet, even though data transmission had ceased. The mission demonstrated the challenges of interplanetary communication and hardened equipment design in deep space. Venera 3's journey paved the way for future successful Venus exploration by both Soviet and international probes.
1965
Venera program
Venera 3
Venus
spacecraft
planet
1973day.year
Skylab program: NASA launches Skylab 4 with a crew of three astronauts from Cape Canaveral, Florida for an 84-day mission.
NASA launched Skylab 4, its third and final crewed mission to the Skylab space station, embarking on an 84-day scientific expedition.
On November 16, 1973, NASA's Saturn IB rocket propelled the Skylab 4 crew—Commander Gerald Carr, Pilot Edward Gibson, and Science Pilot William Pogue—into low Earth orbit. This mission marked the final manned visit to America's first space station, Skylab, which had been launched earlier that year. Over the course of 84 days, the astronauts conducted extensive solar observations, Earth resource experiments, and medical studies on human adaptation to microgravity. They performed three spacewalks to repair and upgrade station systems, including solar panel deployment. Skylab 4 set a new endurance record for crewed spaceflight, surpassing previous missions by a significant margin. The data and experiences gained during this flight advanced understanding of long-duration space habitation and laid groundwork for future space station programs.
1973
Skylab
NASA
Skylab 4
astronauts
Cape Canaveral, Florida
1974day.year
The Arecibo message is broadcast from Puerto Rico.
The Arecibo Observatory broadcast the Arecibo message, an interstellar radio transmission demonstrating human technological achievement.
On November 16, 1974, scientists at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico transmitted the Arecibo message, a carefully encoded radio signal aimed at deep space. Composed by Frank Drake and Carl Sagan, the message conveyed basic information about humanity, Earth's location, DNA structure, and the elements used in life. It was sent toward the globular star cluster M13, located some 25,000 light-years away. Although this early attempt at active SETI had little chance of being received, it showcased advances in radio astronomy and interstellar communication concepts. The broadcast used a frequency of 2380 MHz and lasted just three minutes. The Arecibo message remains an iconic milestone in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, symbolizing humanity's desire to reach beyond its planet.
1974
Arecibo message
1992day.year
The Hoxne Hoard is discovered by metal detectorist Eric Lawes in Hoxne, Suffolk.
In 1992, metal detectorist Eric Lawes discovered the Hoxne Hoard in Suffolk, one of Britain’s most significant Roman treasure finds.
On November 16, 1992, metal detectorist Eric Lawes uncovered the Hoxne Hoard near the village of Hoxne in Suffolk, England. The hoard consisted of over 15,000 Roman gold and silver coins along with approximately 200 pieces of jewelry. It is the largest and most important late Roman treasure ever found in Britain. Archaeologists dated the collection to the late 4th century AD, offering invaluable insights into Roman Britain’s economy and craftsmanship. The find prompted changes to Britain’s Treasure Act regarding portable antiquities. Many items from the hoard are now exhibited at the British Museum, attracting visitors from around the world.
1992
Hoxne Hoard
metal detectorist
Hoxne
2002day.year
The first cases of the 2002–2004 SARS outbreak are traced to Foshan, Guangdong Province, China.
In 2002, health officials traced the first cases of the SARS outbreak to Foshan, Guangdong Province, sparking a global health crisis.
Health authorities traced the earliest cases of the SARS outbreak to Foshan in Guangdong Province, China, on November 16, 2002. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome would rapidly spread to multiple countries, culminating in a global health emergency. Chinese officials initially downplayed the severity of the illness, delaying international response. Researchers later identified the causative coronavirus and implemented containment measures worldwide. The outbreak resulted in over 8,000 infections and nearly 800 deaths before it was contained in mid-2003. Lessons learned from the SARS epidemic influenced global strategies for detecting and managing future pandemics.
2002
2002–2004 SARS outbreak
Foshan
2009day.year
Space Shuttle program: Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched on mission STS-129 to the International Space Station.
In 2009, Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on mission STS-129 to deliver vital supplies to the International Space Station.
Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off on mission STS-129 on November 16, 2009, bound for the International Space Station. The crew delivered critical spare components and scientific experiments to support long-term station operations. STS-129 marked one of the program’s final dedicated logistics flights. Astronauts conducted two spacewalks to install equipment and replace aging hardware. The mission helped ensure the ISS could continue research activities without interruption. Atlantis returned safely to Earth on November 27, 2009, completing its 30th flight. STS-129 demonstrated the team’s ability to support the orbiting outpost with precision and safety.
2009
Space Shuttle program
Space Shuttle Atlantis
STS-129
International Space Station
2022day.year
Artemis Program: NASA launches Artemis 1 on the first flight of the Space Launch System, the start of the program's future missions to the moon.
In 2022, NASA launched Artemis 1, the first flight of its Space Launch System, marking a new chapter in lunar exploration.
NASA launched Artemis 1, the first flight of the Space Launch System, on November 16, 2022. This uncrewed mission sent the Orion capsule on a multi-week journey beyond lunar orbit. Artemis 1 tested critical systems for deep space travel, including heat shields and navigation software. The successful launch marked a new era in lunar exploration and set the stage for future crewed missions. Engineers monitored performance data to validate the spacecraft’s readiness for human passengers. Artemis 1’s achievements rekindled global interest in returning astronauts to the Moon and beyond. The mission acted as a vital stepping stone toward NASA’s goal of establishing a sustainable lunar presence.
2022
Artemis Program
NASA
Artemis 1
Space Launch System