Amazon.com sold its first book, Fluid Concepts and Creative Analogies by Douglas Hofstadter. Founded by Jeff Bezos, Amazon started as an online bookstore and rapidly expanded into a global e-commerce giant. This sale marked the beginning of a significant transformation in how people buy and sell goods.
In 1994, an orbiting comet collides with Jupiter
Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 collided with Jupiter on July 15, providing a rare and spectacular event for astronomers. The collision created massive explosions and left dark spots on Jupiter’s atmosphere, which were visible for months. This event gave scientists valuable insights into the behavior of comets and the dynamics of planetary impacts.
In 1979, Saddam Hussein becomes president of Iraq
Saddam Hussein consolidated his power in a ruthless regime that would last until 2003. Hussein’s presidency was marked by oppressive rule, the Iran-Iraq War, and the invasion of Kuwait, leading to the Gulf War. His leadership had significant and often devastating impacts on the region.
In 1969, Apollo 11 lifts off
Apollo 11 launched from NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center, beginning the historic mission to land humans on the Moon. Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins were on board, with Armstrong and Aldrin later becoming the first humans to walk on the lunar surface. This mission marked a monumental achievement in space exploration.
In 1965, the Mont Blanc Tunnel officially opens
The tunnel connected France and Italy through the Alps. The tunnel, stretching 11.6 kilometers (7.2 miles), became one of the longest road tunnels in the world at the time. It significantly improved transportation and commerce between the two countries.
In 1945, the first atomic bomb explodes
The first atomic bomb, codenamed “Trinity,” was detonated by the US near Alamogordo, New Mexico on July 16. This successful test marked the beginning of the atomic age and was a pivotal moment in the development of nuclear weapons.
