March 13th: The Discovery of Uranus by William Herschel
1781: Discovery of Uranus
In 1781, German-born British astronomer William Herschel discovered Uranus, the third-largest planet by radius in the solar system.
Where and When: Herschel made the discovery while observing the night sky, expanding our understanding of the solar system.
Impact on Today: Reflect: Herschel’s discovery advanced astronomy. Contemplate Uranus’ significance in planetary studies, technological advancements in space exploration, and our ongoing quest for celestial knowledge.
1845: Premiere of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto
In 1845, Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto (Op. 64) premiered. It has since become one of the most frequently performed violin concertos in history.
Where and When: The concerto premiered, showcasing Mendelssohn’s musical brilliance.
Impact on Today: Reflect: Mendelssohn’s legacy lives on. Contemplate the enduring popularity of classical compositions, their impact on music, and their appreciation for timeless art.
1943: Liquidation of the Jewish Ghetto in Kraków
In 1943, German troops perpetrated the liquidation of the Jewish ghetto in Kraków, resulting in the murder and deportation of thousands, as depicted in “Schindler’s List.”
Where and When: The tragic event unfolded in Kraków, marking a dark chapter in World War II history.
Impact on Today: Reflect: The Holocaust’s legacy endures. Contemplate the importance of remembrance, lessons learned, and efforts to prevent genocide and discrimination.
1997: Phoenix Lights Over Arizona
In 1997, a series of unidentified lights known as the Phoenix Lights appeared over Arizona, sparking debates in the UFO community.
Where and When: The lights were witnessed over Phoenix, Arizona, leading to speculation and investigations into their origin.
Impact on Today: Reflect: The Phoenix Lights remain a UFO mystery. Contemplate their impact on public perception, conspiracy theories, and the ongoing interest in unidentified aerial phenomena.
2013: Pope Francis Succeeds Pope Benedict XVI
In 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina became Pope Francis, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI as the 266th leader of the Catholic Church with 1.2 billion members globally.
Where and When: The Vatican City witnessed the historic transition in leadership, ushering in a new era for the Catholic Church.
Impact on Today: Reflect: Pope Francis brought a fresh perspective. Contemplate his influence on the Church’s direction, global issues, and the role of religion in contemporary society.
How was Uranus discovered?
Herschel was not actively searching for a new planet but was systematically observing stars using a powerful telescope he had built himself. He noticed a faint, moving object that didn’t appear to be a fixed star. After further observation, he concluded it was likely a comet, but its slow and unusual movement led him to eventually propose it as a new planet.
Was Uranus the first planet discovered using a telescope?
No, the other planets visible to the naked eye (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn) were known for millennia. Uranus was the first planet discovered solely through the aid of a telescope.
How did Uranus get its name?
While Herschel initially proposed the name “Georgium Sidus” (George’s Star) in honour of King George III, the astronomical community eventually adopted the name Uranus, the Greek god of the sky, following the tradition of naming planets after Roman and Greek deities.
Explore March 12th, 11th, and 10th, and more to learn about what happened today in history. Enhance your understanding of history now!