December 24

During his third Pacific voyage, Cook charted the central Pacific and sighted Kiritimati on December 24th. He named it Christmas Island in honor of the holiday, adding a memorable narrative to his explorations. Kiritimati became known as the world’s largest coral atoll by land area, remarkable for its unique ecosystem. Cook’s discovery expanded European understanding of Pacific geography and influenced subsequent colonial interests. Today, the island is noted for its biodiversity and scientific research on coral reef conservation.

At his station in Brant Rock, Massachusetts, inventor Reginald Fessenden transmitted voice and music over the airwaves for the first time. He began with a reading of a Bible passage, followed by a violin performance and holiday greetings. This pioneering use of amplitude modulation demonstrated the potential of radio as a medium for entertainment and communication. Fessenden's breakthrough laid the groundwork for modern broadcasting and transformed how people experienced news and culture. His Christmas Eve transmission is celebrated as a milestone in telecommunications history.

On December 24, 1952, the Handley Page Victor, the third of Britain’s V-bombers, took to the skies for the first time. Designed as a high-altitude strategic jet bomber, the Victor featured a distinctive crescent wing for enhanced performance. Its maiden flight from Radlett Aerodrome demonstrated impressive speed and payload capabilities during the early Cold War. Alongside the Vickers Valiant and Avro Vulcan, the Victor formed the backbone of Britain’s nuclear deterrent. The aircraft entered service in 1958 and later served in aerial refueling and reconnaissance roles. Its advanced design remained operational until the late 1990s, underscoring its lasting engineering significance.

The Apollo 8 mission, NASA’s second crewed flight in the Apollo program, launched astronauts Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders toward the Moon on December 21, 1968. On December 24, the spacecraft entered lunar orbit, marking the first time humans circled another celestial body. During ten orbits, the crew captured the famous Earthrise photograph, showcasing Earth’s fragile beauty against the blackness of space. They transmitted live television broadcasts on Christmas Eve, sharing holiday greetings and awe-inspiring views with millions on Earth. In a poignant moment, the astronauts read the first ten verses of the Book of Genesis, reflecting on humanity’s place in the universe. The success of Apollo 8 laid the groundwork for the historic lunar landing of Apollo 11 the following year.