2015 Year calculated from
Pre-Scientific Era Sources are listed at bottom.
Before CHRIST (BC)
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index B.C.
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Egyptian Culture
AGO Greek and Roman
Mesopotamia: the oldest known civilization between approximately 5 000 to 1596 B.C. Civilization Civilization v1, pp.17 – 23. Arabic
6727 4713 January 1 At noon (12h00) on this date is Day One of the Julian Day Calendar used by Astronomers. This calendar was created in 1583 (See 1583) and backdated to this day Calendar Calendar, pp.284 – 5. Chinese Culture
Egypt: Predynastic Era approximately 4 000 to 3 100 B.C. Civilization Civilization v1, pp.23 – 4. Korean Culture
6255 4241 Start of Egyptian Calendar and 1st known date Calendar Calendar, p.21. Polynesian Culture
6018 4004 October 23 On this date, according to James Ussher (1581 – 1656), God created the World. Calendar Calendar, p.331; Faber, p.71. America’s
5514 3500 Invention of the wheel (Wheeled transport appears in Mesopotamia) Milestone Event Mapping Time, p.145. Indian Culture
5514 3500 Construction of Newgrange (Ireland) Observatory Cambridge, pp.2 – 3. Important non-scientific events
5214 3200 Invention of writing by the Sumerians Milestone Event Mapping Time, p.145. Celestial Event
5014 3000 Construction of Stonehennge (England) Observatory Cambridge, pp.4 – 5. Milestone Events
5014 3000 Egyptian Religious Calendar Calendar Cambridge, pp.24 – 25.
5014 3000 Egyptian Administrative Calendar Calendar Cambridge, pp.24 – 25.
5128 3114 Current Maya Great Cycle Begins Calendar Calendar Time Line
Egypt: Old Kingdom approximately 2 700 to 2 200 B.C. Civilization Civilization v1, p.24.
4371 2357 Early Chinese Calendar by Emperor Yao Calendar Calendar Time Line
India: Indus Civilization approximately 2 500 to 1 500 B.C. Civilization Civilization v1, p.111.
4114 2100 Sumerian 360 day Calendar Calendar Calendar Time Line
Egypt: Middle Kingdom approximately 2 050 to 1 800 B.C. Civilization Civilization v1, p.25.
Hittite Civilization approximately 2000 to 1 200 B.C. Civilization Civilization v1, p.33.
Greek: Minoan (Aegean) civilization approximately 2 000 to1 200 B.C. Civilization Civilization v1, p.46.
Greek: Mycenaean (Aegean) civilization approximately 2 000 to1 380 B.C. Civilization Civilization v1, p.48.
1699 1700 Old Babylon: Venus Records (place value numerical system) Mathematics Cambridge, pp. 23 -24
China: Shang Dynasty approximately 1 700 to 1 122 B.C. Civilization Civilization v1, p.125.
Egypt: New Kingdom approximately 1 570 to 1 090 B.C. Civilization Civilization v1, p.25.
India: Aryan Invasion and Early Verdic Age 1 500 to 1 000 B.C. Civilization Civilization v1, p.113.
Egypt: Period of Decadence 1 090 to 332 B.C. Civilization Civilization v1, p.25.
Greek: Homeric Age (Greek Dark Ages) approximately 1 150 to 750 B.C. Civilization Civilization v1, p.50.
China: Chou Dynasty approximately 1 122 to 221 B.C. Civilization Civilization v1, p.126.
Brahmanism: Approximately 1000 B.C. Religion Civilization v1, p.114.
2914 900 Babylonian ‘Enuma Anu Enlil’ takes definitive form (Contains 7 000 omens) Astrology Cambridge, pp.26 – 28.
Hinduism: Upanishads composed between 800 and 600 B.C. Religion Civilization v1, p.115.
Greek: Hellenic Age approximately 750 to 336 B.C. (Golden Age centred in Athens about 600 B.C.) Civilization Civilization v1, p.50.
Rome: According to Myth the Roman Empire was founded 753 B.C. by thebirth of the twin brothers Romulus and Remus Civilization Civilization v1, p.79.
2714 700 Systematic Babylonian records Catalogue Cambridge, pp.26 -28.
2014 Greek Cosmology 600 – 300 BC Cosmology Cambridge, pp.29 – 37.
2614 600 Thales of Miletus (c.625 – c.547 BC) – nature more intelligable than the superficial appearance of endless variety suggest. Cosmology Cambridge, p.29.
Confusius (551 479 B.C.) Religion Civilization v1, p.128.
Buddism: Gautama called Buddha “The Enlightened One” (563? – 483 B.C.) Religion Civilization v1, p.116.
2014 Pythagoras (c570 – 480 BC): Geometry Mathematics Discoveries, p.66.
2564 550 Anaximander of Miletus (c.610 – c.545 BC) – explains forms of heavenly bodies. Cosmology Cambridge, p.29.
Rome: Early Republic 509 to 133 B.C. Civilization Civilization v1, p.81.
2464 450 Babylonian identify Metonic Cycle Cosmology Cambridge, p.27.
2464 450 Greek recognize sphericity of Earth Cosmology Cambridge, p.31.
2446 432 Meton (Athenian Astronomer) discover the Metonic Cycle Observation Calendar, p.34.
2414 400 Plato (427 348/7 BC) poses problems of Planets Cosmology Cambridge, p.30.
2364 350 Eudoxus of Cnidus (c.400 – c.347 BC) – model of spheres Cosmology Cambridge p.34
2364 350 Aristotles world Picture (384 – 322 BC) Cosmology Cambridge, p.23
2014 Euclid (356 – 323 BC): Geometry Mathematics Discoveries, p.66.
Greek: Hellenistic Era (Alexander the Great) approximately 336 to 200 B.C. Civilization Civilization v1, pp.69 – 77.
2314 300 First use of zero in Babylon c.300 BC Mathematics Discoveries, p.74.
2294 280 Aristarchus (c.310 – 230 BC) – distances of the Sun and Moon Observation Cambridge, p.38; Discoveries, p.70.
2277 263 Liu Hui: Calculated Pi more precisely than Archimedes. Mathematics Discoveries, p.68.
2264 250 Archimedes (c.287 – c.212: Pi, squaring the circle. (Look 263 BC, Lui Hui) Mathematics Cambridge, p.37; Discoveries, p.68.
China: Han Dynasty approximately 202 to A.D. 220 Civilization Civilization v1, p.134.
2214 200 Erastothenes (c.276 – c.195) – size of the Earth / deduced the tilt of the Earth’s axis of rotation. Observation Cambridge, p.39. / Calendar, p.35.
2214 200 Appolonius – eccentres, epicycles, deferents Cosmology Cambridge, p.39.
2178 164 Halley’s Comet (September to November) Celestial Event Cambridge, p.27
2174 160 Horoscopium, precurser to Astrolabe used by Hipparchus of Nicaea, c.160 BC. Instrument Discoveries, p.82.
Rome: Late Republic 133 to 30 B.C. Civilization Civilization v1, p.86.
2134 120 Hipparchus – models for Sun, Moon. Star catalogue. Presession Cosmology / Catalogue Cambridge, pp.40 -41.
2060 46 January 1 Julian Calendar introduced. Calendar was off by 80 days. 46 BC had 445 days. Calendar Cambridge, p.108. / Calendar, p.45.
2059 45 Known as the “Year of Confusion”. See 46 BC. Calendar Calendar, p.45.
Rome: Pax Romana 30 B.C. to A.D. 180 Civilization Civilization v1, p.91.
EVENT Topic
BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST Religion
The true date of Christ’s birth is unknown but by tradition it is celebrated on December 25th. This event is the central point of our Calendar. Note that Christ was not born in the year zero. There is no such year in our Calendar. One year before Christ is 1BC, and one year after is 1AD. Therefore the 2nd millenium ended in the year 2000, and the 3rd millenium started in 2001, contrary to popular opinion
ANNO DOMINI (AD) After CHRIST also known as Commom Era (CE)
1st Century
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 1st Century
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Egyptian Culture
AGO Greek and Roman
2014 1 Arabic
1965 50 Chinese Culture
1915 100 Korean Culture
Polynesian Culture
America’s
Indian Culture
Important non-scientific events
Celestial Event
2nd Century
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 2nd Century
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Egyptian Culture
AGO Greek and Roman
1914 101 Arabic
1885 130 Ptolemy – Almagest, Planetary hypotheses, Tetrabiblos Cosmology Cambridge, pp.42 – 43. Chinese Culture
1815 200 Korean Culture
Polynesian Culture
America’s
Indian Culture
Important non-scientific events
Celestial Event
3rd Century
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 3rd Century
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Egyptian Culture
AGO Greek and Roman
1814 201 Arabic
1765 250 Chinese Culture
1715 300 c. 300 the Maya discover zero Mathematics Calendar Time Line Korean Culture
Polynesian Culture
America’s
Indian Culture
Important non-scientific events
Celestial Event
4th Century
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 4th Century
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Egyptian Culture
AGO Greek and Roman
Medieval Christendom Civilization Arabic
1694 321 Sunday / Seven Day week formulated Calendar Calendar Time Line Chinese Culture
Rome: 330 Constantinopel (Istanbul) created by Emperor Constantine (To become the capital of theByzantime Empire) Civilization Civilization v1, p.169. Korean Culture
1690 325 Council of Nicea formulate Easter Calendar Calendar Time Line Polynesian Culture
Rome: In 395 the empire officially split into East (Byzantine) and West Roman Empires. The Byzantine Empire (Easter Europe and the Middle East) continue until 1261; Western Empire (Western Europe) decline into turmoil until A.D. 800. Civilization Civilization v1, p.148. America’s
1615 400 Indian Culture
Important non-scientific events
Celestial Event
5th Century
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 5th Century
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Egyptian Culture
AGO Greek and Roman
1614 401 Arabic
1516 499 Aryabhata Indian Calendar (365d 8h 36m 0s) Calendar Calendar Time Line Chinese Culture
1515 500 India introduces decimal system with the zero, c. 500. Mathematics Discoveries, p.74. Korean Culture
Polynesian Culture
America’s
Indian Culture
Important non-scientific events
Celestial Event
6th Century
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 6th Century
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Egyptian Culture
AGO Greek and Roman
1514 501 Arabic
1465 550 Chinese Culture
1415 600 Korean Culture
Polynesian Culture
America’s
Indian Culture
Important non-scientific events
Celestial Event
7th Century
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 7th Century
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Egyptian Culture
AGO Greek and Roman
Inca: Civilization originated before Christ but start to spread by 600 A.D. (Equador to Chile) Civilization Civilization v1, p.373. Arabic
Mayan: Civilization reached its height between 600 and 1200 A.D. (Mexico and Guatemala) Civilization Civilization v1, p.366. Chinese Culture
1393 622 Monammad flees Mecca / Start of Muslim Calendar Religion / Calendar Calendar Time Line Korean Culture
1383 632 Death of Mohammad Religion Polynesian Culture
1315 700 America’s
Indian Culture
Important non-scientific events
Celestial Event
8th Century
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 8th Century
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Egyptian Culture
AGO Greek and Roman
1314 701 Arabic
1282 733 Kanaka arrives in Bagdad / Teach Hindu Mathematics and Astronomy Mathematics / Cosmology Calendar Time Line Chinese Culture
1215 800 Holy Roman: Charlemagne crowned Emperor by the Pope on Christmast day 800. Feudalism now entrenched in Western Europe. Civilization Civilization v1, p.231. Korean Culture
Polynesian Culture
America’s
Indian Culture
Important non-scientific events
Celestial Event
9th Century
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 9th Century
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Egyptian Culture
AGO Greek and Roman
1214 801 Arabic
1139 876 First use of zero in Eurasia. Mathematics Calendar Time Line; Discoveries, p.74. Chinese Culture
1115 900 Korean Culture
Polynesian Culture
America’s
Indian Culture
Important non-scientific events
Celestial Event
10th Century
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 10th Century
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Egyptian Culture
AGO Greek and Roman
1114 901 Arabic
1065 950 Chinese Culture
1015 1000 Korean Culture
Polynesian Culture
America’s
Indian Culture
Important non-scientific events
Celestial Event
11th Century
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 11th Century
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Egyptian Culture
AGO Greek and Roman
Astrolabe [revolving starmap] enters West (Look 160 A.D.) Instrument Cambridge, p.64. Arabic
1009 1006 Supernova visible to the naked eye Celestial Event Chinese Culture
961 1054 Supernova visible to the naked eye recorded in Chinese annals. (Crab Nebula) Celestial Event Cambridge, p.307. Korean Culture
1055 Ottoman Turks: The Seljuk turks qonquer modern day Bagdad. Start of a mighty Islam Empire to last until 1917. Civilization Civilization v1, p.191. Polynesian Culture
1095 Crusade: The first of seven crusades against the Ottoman Turks was in 1095. The last crusade was in 1212. Civilization Civilization v1, p.254. America’s
915 1100 Indian Culture
Important non-scientific events
Celestial Event
12th Century
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 12th Century
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Egyptian Culture
AGO Greek and Roman
Greek and Arabic scripts translated to European languages Cosmology Cambridge, p.72. Arabic
895 1120 Cairo Observatory; 1120 – 25 Observatory Cambridge, p.56. Chinese Culture
815 1200 Korean Culture
Polynesian Culture
America’s
Indian Culture
Important non-scientific events
Celestial Event
13th Century
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 13th Century
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Egyptian Culture
AGO Greek and Roman
Aztec: Rise of empire around 1200. Create capital Tenochtitlan at present day Mexico City in 1325. Cortez finally destroyed the Aztec Civilization Civilization v1, p.371. Arabic
New Quadrant (combination of quadrant and astrolabe) invented by Jacob ben Mahir (c.1236 – c.1304) Instrument Cambridge, p.81. Chinese Culture
756 1259 Maragha Observatory (Astronomer Nasir al-Din al-Tusi 1201 – 74) Observatory / Astronomer Cambridge, p.58. Korean Culture
1260 Mongolian Empire: Birth of Temujin (1162) who became known as “Ghenghis Khan” (1206). Mongolians dominant force in Asia 1260 – 1360. Civilization Civilization v1, p.338. Polynesian Culture
1261 Byzantium: Constantinople conquered by Palaeologus if Nicaea. This is the end of the Byzantium (East Roman Empire) Civilization Civilization v1, p.175. America’s
716 1299 Glass lenses invented by Alexandro di Spina Instrument Discoveries, p.92.
Cross staff invented by Levi ben Gerson (1288 – 1344) Instrument Cambridge, p.81. Indian Culture
Important non-scientific events
Celestial Event
14th Century
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 14th Century
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Egyptian Culture
AGO Greek and Roman
714 1301 Arabic
Hundred Years War: Large scale disruption in Europe due to warfare. 1337 – 1453. Political Civilization v1, p.384. Chinese Culture
665 1350 Korean Culture
615 1400 Polynesian Culture
America’s
Indian Culture
Important non-scientific events
Celestial Event
15th Century
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 15th Century
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Egyptian Culture
AGO Greek and Roman
Arabic
443 1420 Samarkand Observatory (Astronomer Ulugh Beg 1394 – 1449) Observatory / Astronomy Cambridge, p.58. Chinese Culture
594 1421 Chinese Expedition sail around the world 1421 -3. Explore and map all the continents except Europe. Very Controversial claim. Expedition / World Event 1421
545 1470 Invention of the Printing Press Milestone Event Calendar Time Line Korean Culture
1457 Ottoman Turks invades Constantinople. (Leads to struggle over spice trade and eventualy culminate in Voyages of Discovery). Civilization Civilization v1, p.324. Polynesian Culture
542 1473 Nicholas Copernicus (1473 – 1543) born in Torun, Poland Astronomer Cambridge, p.90. America’s
595 1474 Peurbach (1423 – 61) – “Theoricae novae planetarium” (New theory of the Planets) Cosmology Cambridge, pp.88 – 89. Indian Culture
Voyages of Discovery: Christopher Columbus reach West Indies. 12 October 1492. World Event Civilization v1, p.475. Important non-scientific events
1493 Bull of Demarcation: Pope devided world in two halfs so as to avoid conflict between Spanish and Portuegese ambitions. Civilization Civilization v1, p.475. Milestone Events
Voyages of Discovery: Vasco Da Gama sail to India. 1497 – 99. World Event Civilization v1, p.476. Celestial Event
Renaissance: Height of Renaissance 1500 – 1530. Civilization Civilization v1, p.410.
Beginnings of Scientific Era
16th Century to 1582 (Pre-Gregorian Calendar)
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 16th Century Pre-Calendar Reforms
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Important non-scientific events
AGO South Africa: Political
Aztec: Hernando Cortez conquer Aztec. 1521. Civilization Civilization v1, p.477. South Africa: Astronomy
Protestant Reform: Luther breaks away from Catholic Church. 1521. Religion Civilization v1, p.434. Astronomy (excluding South Africa)
Inca: Francisco Pizarro conquer Inca. 1531. Civilization Civilization v1, p.477. Science (excluding Astronomy)
484 1531 Comet that later became known as Halley’s Comet Celestial Event Cambridge, pp.172 – 174. Milestone Events
1543: The year SCIENCE began – Copernicus and Vesalius (Statement made with Poetic License) Celestial Event
472 1543 Andreas Vesalius (1514 – 64) “Fabrica” (On the Fabric of the Human Body) Milestone / Medical Science Faber, p.5.
472 1543 Copernicus – “De revolutionibus” (On the Revolutions of Heavenly Spheres) Cosmology / Astronomer Cambridge, p.90.
469 1546 December 14 Tycho Brahe (1546 – 1601) born in Skaane (now in Sweden) Astronomer Cambridge, p.98.
451 1564 February 15 Galileo Galilei (1564 – 1642) born in Pisa. Astronomer Cambridge, p.122.
444 1571 December 27 Johannes Kepler (1571 – 1630) born in Weilder Stadt near Stuttgart Astronomer Cambridge, p.115.
443 1572 “””Tycho’s Nova””” Celestial Event Cambridge, pp.101 – 104.
440 1575 Istanbul Observatory 1575 – 80 (Astronomer Taqi al-Din) Observatory / Astronomer Cambridge, pp.56 -58.
439 1576 Tycho Brahe Observatory at Hven 1576 – 97 Observatory Cambridge, p.104.
438 1577 Tycho Brahe finds comet to be celestial Celestial Event / Cosmology Cambridge, pp.101 – 104.
425 1590 Microscope invented by Hans and Zacharias Janssen Science Discoveries, p.110.
In 1582 the Gregorian Calendar was instituted in Catholic Country’s. Between 1582 to 1752 all of Europe implemented the Gregorian Calendar. The exception was Germany who partially accepted the Calendar in 1700 and fully in 1775. Russian only accepted the Calendar in 1917. Thus the dates given below is indicated in the Month column as either Julian Calendar (JC) of Gregorian Calendar (GC) Calendar
16th Century from 1582 (Julian and Gregorian Calendar runs concurrently)
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 16th Century Calendar Reforms
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Important non-scientific events
AGO South Africa: Political
433 1582 Octorber (GC) 15 Gregorian Calendar (10 days omitted from Calendar / 5 – 14 October 1582) Calendar Cambridge, p.108. / Calendar, pp.267 – 82. South Africa: Astronomy
432 1583 Julian Day Calendar. Justus Scalinger (1540 – 1609) implement a new Calendar that counts a day at a time and backdated to noon on 1 January 4713 BC (a date he calculated as the Creation of the Earth) Astronomers use this Calendar. Calendar Calenda,r pp.284 -5. Astronomy (excluding South Africa)
431 1584 Between 1582 – 84 most Catholic countries accept and switched over to Gregorian Calendar Calendar Calendar p.vi Science (excluding Astronomy)
419 1596 Kepler – “Cosmographic Mystery” Cosmology Cambridge Chronology Milestone Events
Celestial Event
17th Century / 1st Half /1601 – 1650 (Julian and Gregorian Calendar runs concurrently ) Colour index 17th Century 1st Half /1601 – 1650
DATE EVENT Topic Source Important non-scientific events
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY South Africa: Political
AGO South Africa: Astronomy
414 1601 October (JC) 24 Tycho Brahe die in Prague (1546 – 1601) Astronomer Cambridge, p.98. Astronomy (excluding South Africa)
413 1602 Tycho Brahe’s star catalogue published Catalogue Cambridge, p.104. Science (excluding Astronomy)
411 1604 Kepler’s Nova Celestial Event Cambridge, pp.198 – 201. Milestone Events
408 1607 Comet that later became known as Halley’s Comet Celestial Event Cambridge, pp.172 – 174. Celestial Event
406 1609 Kepler – “New Astronomy”: First two laws Science Cambridge, p.119.
406 1609 Galileo’s first telescopic observations Observation Cambridge, p.123.
405 1610 January (GC) 7 Galileo’s first observation of Jupiter. Discover 4 Moons (This event was to have far reaching results. It helped to inaugurate science as a discipline and helped to overturn accepted worldviews of the time.) Milestone / Observation / Science / Cosmology Cambridge, p.125.
405 1610 Galileo – “Starry Messenger” Cosmology / Journal Cambridge, p.130.
404 1611 Kepler design “astronomical telescope” Telescope Cambridge, p.142; p.164.
402 1613 Galileo – “Letters on Sunspots” Cosmology Cambridge, p.130.
Thirty Years War: 1618 – 1648. Political Civilization v1, p.458.
396 1619 Kepler’ – “The Harmony of the World”: Third Law Science Cambridge, p.120; p.143.
389 1626 Christoph Schneider publish “Rosa Ursina” on sunspots between 1626 – 30 Cosmology Cambridge, p.129.
388 1627 Kepler – “Prutenic Tables” also known as “Rudolphine Tables” Catalogue Cambridge, p.130.
385 1630 November (GC) 15 Kepler dies at Regensburg (1571 – 1630) Astronomer Cambridge, p.115.
384 1631 November 7 Transit of Mercury: 1st Transit to be predicted (by Kepler) Observed by Pierre Gassendi Celestial Event
384 1631 December 6 Transit of Venus: 2nd Transit to be predicted (by Kepler) Celestial Event
383 1632 Galileo – “Two Great World Systems” Cosmology Cambridge, p.130.
383 1632 Mechanical Calculator invented by Wilhelm Schickard (1592 – 1635) Mathematics Discoveries, p.128.
378 1637 Analytical Geometry (combining geometry and algebra) invented by Rene Descartes (1596 – 1650) Mathematics Discoveries, p.132.
376 1639 December 4 Transit of Venus Celestial Event
375 1640 Gascoine’s micrometer Instrument Cambridge, p.164.
373 1642 January (GC) Galilei dies (1564 – 1642) Astronomer Cambridge, p.122.
373 1642 December (JC) 25 Isaac Newton born at Lincolnshire, England (1642 – 1727) Astronomer Cambridge, p. 159.
371 1644 Descartes – “Principles of Philosophy” Cosmology Cambridge Chronology
17th Century / 2nd Half /1651 – 1700 (Julian and Gregorian Calendar runs concurrently)
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 17th Century 2nd Half /1651 – 1700
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Important non-scientific events
AGO South Africa: Political
363 1652 1652 Dutch Colonists arrive to settle at the Cape History: South Africa South Africa: Astronomy
356 1659 Christiaan Huygens (1629 – 95) elucidates Saturns rings Observation Cambridge, p.150. Astronomy (excluding South Africa)
355 1660 Royal Society of London founded Society Cambridge, p.145; p.257. Science (excluding Astronomy)
352 1663 James Gregory (1638 – 75) designs reflector Telescope Cambridge, p.152. Milestone Events
351 1664 Record of Comet (South Africa) Celestial Event Celestial Event
350 1665 Start of Scientific Publications. “Philosophical Transactions” of the Royal Society of London. Milestone / Journal Cambridge, p.256.
349 1666 Paris Academy of Sciences founded Society Cambridge, p.166.
349 1666 Great Fire of London
348 1667 Paris Observatory founded Observatory Cambridge, p.166.
348 1667 Mira’s Period identified by Ismael Boulliau (1605 – 94) Observation Cambridge, p.201.
347 1668 Newton designs his telescope Telescope Cambridge, p.152.
343 1672 Cassegrain designs his telescope Telescope Cambridge, p.152.
343 1672 Newton shows white light’s composition. Publish ‘New Theory about Light and Colors’ Science Cambridge, p.261.
340 1675 Greenwich Observatory founded Observatory Cambridge, p.178.
339 1676 September (JC) 19 Observation started at Greenwich Observatory Observatory Cambridge, p.178.
338 1677 Edmond Halley visit St Helena Island to catalogue stars to solve longitude problems. Too cloudy Observation Cambridge, p.251.
336 1679 “””Connoissance des Temps”” founded. First year-book dedicated to astronomy.” Journal Cambridge p.257.
336 1679 Binary system invented by G.W.F. von Leibniz (1646 – 1716) Mathematics Discoveries, p.142.
333 1682 Comet that later became known as Halley’s Comet Celestial Event Cambridge, pp.172 – 174.
330 1685 Father Tachard, French Jesuit Priest, sets up observatory near the Castle on Cape Town. (Longitude problem) Astronomer / Expedition Astr SA, pp. 20 – 22.
328 1687 Johannes Hevelius dies (1611 – 87) Astronomer Cambridge, p.143.
328 1687 Newton – “Principia” (Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy) Cosmology Cambridge, p.162; p.235.
325 1690 Hevelius – Star Catalogue Catalogue Cambridge Chronology
325 1690 Jonn Flamsteed observe Asteroid Ceres but does not recognize it as such. (mistook it as a star) Observation Cambridge, p.191.
320 1695 June (JC) 8 Christiaan Huygens dies in The Hague (1629 -95) Astronomer Cambridge , p.129; p.150.
320 1695 Halley (c.1656 – 1742) recognizes that the comets of 1531, 1607 and 1682 may be the same comet and thus be periodic He predicts the return of the comet in 1758 Science Cambridge, pp.172 – 174.
315 1700 Gregorian Calendar (see 1582) Potestant Germany partially accept the Calender reforms (full acceptance 1775) Calendar Calendar p.vi
18th Century / 1st Half / 1701 – 1752 (Julian and Gregorian Calendar runs concurrently)
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 18th Century 1st Half / 1701 – 1752
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Important non-scientific events
AGO South Africa: Political
314 1701 January (GC) 12 Gregorian Calendar (see 1582) Holland with its colony at the Cape (South Africa) changes over to the Gregorian Calendar. Calendar Can’t find proof but look at http://www.crystalinks.com/gregorian_calendar.html; http://www.brainyhistory.com/events/1701/january_12_1701_39298.html South Africa: Astronomy
310 1705 Peter Kolbe (1705 – 1713) was appointed as the first official Astronomer in S.A. Astronomer Astr SA, pp.26 – 28. Astronomy (excluding South Africa)
303 1712 First efficient steam engine developed by Thomas Newcomen (1663 – 1729) [Look 1765] Mechanical Discoveries, p.158.
294 1721 Halley’s papers on symmetric star systems Cosmology Cambridge Chronology Science (excluding Astronomy)
290 1725 Flamsteed (1646 – 1719) – “British Catalogue” to help solve Longitude problem Catalogue Cambridge, p.179. Milestone Events
288 1727 March (JC) 20 Isaac Newton dies (1642 – 1727) Astronomer Cambridge, p.159. Celestial Event
287 1728 James Bradley (1693 – 1762) identified large mistakes made in earlier observations relating to the accurate positions of stars due to ‘the aberration of light’ Science Cambridge, p.206.
287 1728 Newton – “Systems of the World” Cambridge, p.211; p.215.
286 1729 Achromatic lens designed by Chester Moor Hall (1703 – 71) (but did not persue idea. Look Dollond 1758) Instrument Cambridge, p.152.
286 1729 Bradley’s paper on the aberration of light (see 1728) Science Cambridge, p.213.
280 1735 Classification of flora by Carl von Linne (known as Linnaeus, 1707 – 78) Biology Discoveries, p.150.
277 1738 November (GC) 15 Wilhelm Friedrich Herschel (1738 1822) born at Hanover Astronomer Cambridge p.231.
273 1742 Bradley Astronomer Royal at Greenwich (1742 – ) Astronomer Cambridge, p.206.
273 1742 January (JC) 14 Edmond Halley dies (1656 – 1742) Astronomer Cambridge, p.151.
265 1750 (GC) 16 Caroline Lucretia Herschel (1750 – 1848) born at Hanover Astronomer Cambridge, p.232.
265 1750 Thomas Wright (1711 – 86) – “An Original Theory or New Hypothesis of the Universe” (Inspire Kant, Look 1755) Cosmology Cambridge, p.218; p.228; Discoveries, p.152.
264 1751 April (GC) 19 Abbe De La Caille (1713 – 62; also known as Lacaille) arrive at Cape Town. (Arc of the Meridian) Astronomer / Expedition Cambridge p.251; Astr SA, pp28 – 43.
263 1752 September (GC) 14 Gregorian Calendar (see 1582) Great Britain and American colonies implements the Calender reforms (11 days omitted from Calendar / 3 – 13 September 1752) Calendar Calendar p.vi
18th Century / 2nd Half / 1753 – 1800 (Gregorian Calendar)
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 18th Century 2nd Half / 1753 – 1800
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Important non-scientific events
AGO South Africa: Political
262 1753 Dolland designs the divided object-glass micrometer Instrument Cambridge, p.219. South Africa: Astronomy
262 1753 March 8 Lacaille leave Cape Town. (Arc of the Meridian) Astronomer Astr SA, p.43; Warner – Astr, p.50. Astronomy (excluding South Africa)
260 1755 Inspired by Wrights book [Look 1750] Emmanuel Kant (1724 – 1804) through the power of reason figures out very accurately the shape of the Universe. Cosmology Discoveries, p.152.
259 1756 Tobias Mayer(1723 – 62) observe Asteroid Ceres but does not recognize it as such. (mistook it as a star) Observation Cambridge, p.191. Science (excluding Astronomy)
258 1757 De La Caille publish positions of nearly 400 of the brightest of the southern stars, so establishing the framework for Southern Hemisphere Astronomy. Catalogue / Science Cambridge p.251. Milestone Events
258 1757 Michell argues that most double stars are binary Cosmology Cambridge Chronology Celestial Event
257 1758 John Dollond (1706 – 61) patents Achromatic lens Instrument Cambridge, p.152.
256 1759 January 21 Return of Halleys comet (look 1695) first noticed by Charles Messier. Celestial Event Cambridge, p.173.
254 1761 Trial begins of John Harrison’s (1693 – 1776) H4 Chronometer Instrument / Expedition Cambridge, p.181.
254 1761 Transit of Venus Celestial Event
254 1761 Mason and Dixon observe Transit of Venus from Cape Town Astronomer / Expedition Astr SA, p.43.
253 1762 Lacaille dies Astronomer Cambridge p.251.
252 1763 Lacaille observations of 10 000 stars published posthunously Publication Cambridge p.251.
303 1712 James Watt (1736 – 1819) greatly improves on the steam engine developed by Newcomen [Look 1712] Mechanical Discoveries, p.158.
248 1767 Nautical Almanac founded by Nevil Maskelyne (1732 – 1811) Catalogue Cambridge, p.180.
246 1769 Transit of Venus Celestial Event
243 1772 Wales and Bayly, (Captain Cooks 2nd voyage) made observations in order to determine the distance to Antartica. Astronomer / Expedition Astr SA, p.43.
American Revolution: 1775 – 83 Political Civilization v2 p.73.
240 1775 Gregorian Calendar (see 1582) Potestant Germany fully accept and implement the Calender reforms (partial acceptance 1700) Calendar Calendar p.vi
234 1781 Charles Messier’s (1730 – 1817) final catalogue of nebulae Catalogue Cambridge, p.238.
234 1781 March 13 Uranus discovered by William Herschel using 7-foot reflector Observation / Astronomer / Telescope Cambridge, p.187; Faber, p.44.
232 1783 First hot-air balloon flight by the Montgolfier brothers Flight Space, p.43; Discoveries, p.162.
232 1783 Goodricke (1764 86) [and Edward Pigott 1753 – 1825] suggest Algol is an eclipsing binary. Observation Cambridge, p.203.
232 1783 William Herschel sweeps for nebulae 1783 – 1802 Observation Cambridge, p.310.
230 1785 Mechanical Loom invented by Edmund Cartwright (1743 – 1823). This invention coupled with the steam engine led to the Industrial Revolution, an event that radically changed the World and all those who live on it. Mechanical Discoveries, p.164.
230 1785 William Herschel’s cross-section of Galaxy Observation Cambridge, p.310.
230 1785 William Herschel pioneer use of statistics in Astronomy Science Cambridge, p.240.
226 1789 April Lalande (1732 – 1807) urges French Estates-General to adopt a uniform physical standard of measurement [Look 1840] Standard Weights and Measures Measure, p.447.
French Revolution: Phase 1 – Storming Bastille etc. 1789 – 91 Political Civilization v2 p.79.
226 1789 William Herschel’s 40-foot reflector completed Telescope Cambridge, p.243.
225 1790 Madrid Observatory established in Spain Observatory Cambridge, p.246.
French Revolution: Phase 2 – Reign of Terror. 1791 – 97 Political Civilization v2 p.73.
223 1792 Calendar of Reason: France (1792 – 1806) Calendar Calendar Time Line
223 1792 June J Delambre (1749 – 1822) and P Mechain (1744 – 1804) re-measure the Paris Arc of the Meridian in order to establish the decimal system. [Look 1840] Expedition / Standard Weights and Measures Measure, p.1.
223 1792 March 7 John Frederick William Herschel born at Slough (1792 – 1871) Astronomer Cambridge, p. 248.
219 1796 First Vaccination by Edward Jenner (1749 – 1823) [Look 1881] Medical Discoveries, p.170.
219 1796 Pierre-Simon de Laplace (1749 – 1827) – “Exposition du systeme du monde” Cosmology Cambridge, p.184; Discoveries, p.172.
217 1798 William Herschel examine light from bright stars through a prism Observation Cambridge, p.290.
216 1799 First Battery invented by Allesssandro Volta (1745 – 1827) Science Discoveries, p.174.
216 1799 Laplace – “Traite de macanique celeste” Vol 1 Cosmology Cambridge, p.184.
Napoleon: 1799 – 1815. Political Civilization v2 p.92.
215 1800 “””Monatliche Correspondenz”” founded by Frans Xaver von Zach (1754 – 1832) [Monthly Journal]” Journal Cambridge p.257.
19th Century / 1st half / 1801 – 1850
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 19th Century 1st half / 1801 – 1850
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Important non-scientific events
AGO South Africa: Political
214 1801 January 1 Ceres discovered by Guiseppe Piazzi (1746 – 1826) Observation Cambridge, p.190. South Africa: Astronomy
214 1801 March Pallas discovered by H.W.M. Olbers (1758 – 1840) Observation Cambridge, p.190. Astronomy (excluding South Africa)
213 1802 William Hyde Wollaston (1766 – 1828) refines Newtons 1672 experiments on light Experiment Cambridge, p.262. Science (excluding Astronomy)
212 1803 William Herschel confirms binary stars Observation Cambridge Chronology Milestone Events
211 1804 Train: High pressure steam engine invented and combined with the trolley. Invented by Richard Trevithick (1771 – 1833) Mechanical Discoveries, p.176.
209 1806 Cape Colony becomes British Territory History: South Africa Celestial Event
208 1807 Vesta discovered Observation Cambridge, p.191.
208 1807 Juno discovered Observation Cambridge, p.191.
203 1812 Olbers speculate that comets shapes were due to material ejected from the nucleus. Observation Cambridge, p.279.
201 1814 Joseph Fraunhofer (1787 – 1826) maps lines in Solar spectrum 1814 -15 Science Cambridge p.262.
Industrial Revolution: 1815 – 70 World Event
200 1815 First Geological map produced by William Smith (1769 – 1839) Geology Discoveries, p.180.
199 1816 William Herschel knighted Astronomer Cambridge, p.231.
198 1817 Fraunhofer publish Solar spectrum Publication Cambridge p.262.
197 1818 Frierich Wilhelm Bessel (1784 – 1864) – “Fundamenta astronomiae” Cosmology Cambridge, pp.208 – 9)
195 1820 Astronomical Society of London Founded (Becomes Royal Astronomical Society 1831) Society Cambridge p.257.
195 1820 October 20 Order of Council to establish the Royal Observatory at the Cape of Good Hope. [Hereafter referred to Cape Observatory] First Observatory in the Southern Hemisphere [which also made it first permanent scientific establishment in Southern Hemisphere.] Observatory Warner – Astr, p.2.
195 1820 Sir George Everest visit the Cape. Suggestions on the Arc of the Meridean Project. Expedition Warner – Astr, p.50
194 1821 August 12 Fearon Fallows (1789 – 1831) arrives at Cape Town to establish the Cape Observatory – first ‘Astronomer Royal at the Cape of Good Hope’ (1821 – 1831)[sometimes referred to as H.M. Astronomer, hereafter referred to as “director”] Observatory Warner – Astr, p.6
193 1822 August 25 Wilhelm Friedrich Herschel dies at Slough (1738 – 1822) Astronomer Cambridge, p.231.
192 1823 “””Astronomiche Nachrichten”” founded by Heinrich Schumacher. He became the “”Postmaster General of Astronomy””, passing information on to everybody. It became easier to just publish.” Journal Cambridge p.257.
191 1824 9 1/2 inch Dorpat refractor mounted. This instrument was the largest of its kind in the world, build by Fraunhofer and installed at Dorpat Observatory [now Tartu in Estonia] Telescope Cambridge, p.217.
190 1825 February 22 John Skirrow arrived as Clerk-of-Works to supervice construction of the Cape Observatory Observatory Warner – Astr, p.16.
189 1826 Herschel receives the Royal Society Gold Medal for double star Observations Astronomer
188 1827 Ohm’s law: The interrelationship of voltage, resistance and current discovered by Georg Simon Ohm Science Disvoveries, p.196.
188 1827 RAS starts “Monthly Notices” Journal Cambridge, p.259.
188 1827 Cape Observatory: 1st building completed. Observatory Warner – Astr, p.21
187 1828 October Cape Observatory: 1st instruments installed: Dolland transit circle (1828 – 1855) Observatory / Instrument Warner – Astr, p.23
187 1828 October Cape Observatory: 1st instruments installed: Jones mural circle (1828 – 1839) Observatory / Instrument Warner – Astr, p.23
187 1828 October 29 Cape Observatory: Official opening ceremony Observatory Warner – Astr, p.23.
186 1829 Timeball designed by Captain Robert Wauchope and tested at Portsmouth Service Cambridge, p182.
184 1831 John Herschel receives Knighthood of the Royal Hanoverian Guelphic Order Astronomer Astr SA, p.51.
184 1831 Astronomical Society of London (1820) receives Royal Charter and becomes Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) Society Cambridge, p.257.
184 1831 July 25 Fallow dies of scarlet fever. Buried in Observatory grounds Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.29.
183 1832 March 22 Thomas Henderson (1789 – 1844) Director of Cape Observatory (1832 – 1833) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.32.
182 1833 Charles Lyell: “Principles of Geology” Book challenged the concept that the Earth is static (never changing) Geology Faber, pp.71 – 8.
182 1833 First operational Timaball enters service at Greenwich. Service Cambridge, p.182; Warner – Astr, p.47.
182 1833 John Herschel – “Treatise on Astronomy” Cosmology Cambridge, p.198.
182 1833 Cape Observatory: Henderson starts a time service. Service Warner – Astr, p.32.
182 1833 May Henderson resigns as Director of Cape Observatory. Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.34.
1834 – 1838 Great Trek History: South Africa
181 1834 Henderson appointed Astronomer Royal of Scotland (1834 – 1844) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.36.
181 1834 January 7 Maclear (1794 – 1879) arrive at Cape Town – Director (1834 – 70) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.41; p.49.
181 1834 January 15 John Herchel arrive at Cape Town (Approx 10 days after Maclear) Set equipment up at Feldhausen (1834 – 38) Observatory / Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.41.
180 1835 C.P.Smyth (1819 -1900) 1st assistant director at Cape Observatory. (1835 – 1845) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.49.
180 1835 September 1 14 ft Herschel telescope installed at Cape Observatory (used 1835 – 1850’s). Maclear observe Halley’s Comet Telescope
179 1836 Time Service: Time Ball installed at Cape Observatory Observatory Warner – Astr, p.47.
179 1836 June 15 Charles Darwin dine with John Herschel (Darwin later requested and was buried next to John Herschel in the church at Slough, England) Astronomer Astr SA, p.63.
178 1837 First Daguerrotype photo made by Louis Jacques Daguerre (1787 – 1851) Photography Discoveries, p.206.
178 1837 Wilhelm Struve (1793 – 1864) announces parallax of Vega (Struve’s announcement was first, beating Bessel [61 Cygni] and Thomas Henderson[Alpha Centauri]). Observation Cambridge, p.219.
178 1837 December 9 Bradley Zenith Sector on loan to Cape Observatory to help with Arc Meridian Project (1837 – 50) Telescope / Expedition Warner – Astr, p.56 – 57.
178 1837 Maclear measures the baseline (Arc of the Meridian) Expedition Warner – Astr, pp.50 – 58; Astr SA, pp.57 – 60.
177 1838 Bessel announces parallax of 61 Cygni Observation Cambridge, p.215; p.219.
177 1838 March 11 John Herschel close down Feldhausen Observatory and leave the Cape. Observatory Warner – Astr, p.53.
177 1838 Maclear (1838 – 1847) re-measure Arc of Meridian Expedition Warner – Astr, pp. 50 – 53.
177 1838 John Herschel appointed Baronet Astronomer Cambridge, p.248.
176 1839 Pulkova Observatory founded; 15-inch refractor Observatory / Telescope Cambridge, p.272.
176 1839 First Calotype photo made by William Henry Fox Talbot (1800 – 77) Photography Disvoveries, p.206.
176 1839 March 14 John Herschel give talk to Royal Society in which he uses terminology that became commonly used: Terms are “photography”; “hypo”; “positive”; negative” Astronomer / Photography Moore, p.51.
176 1839 July Greenwich Mural Circle arrive to replace the problematic Jones Mural Circle (1839 – 1855) [Cape Observatory] Instrument Warner – Astr, p.56.
176 1839 October 22 William Mann (1817 – 73) arrive at Cape Town [Cape Observatory] Astronomer Astr SA, p.68; Warner – Astr, p.55.
175 1840 January 1 Decimal system. France the first country in the world to accept the decimal system Milestone / Standard Weights and Measures Measure, p.345.
175 1840 Maclear acquire more land for the Cape Observatory Observatory Warner – Astr, p.59.
174 1841 Cape Observatory: Magnetic and Meteorological Observatory added Observatory / Services Warner – Astr, p.59 – 60.
173 1842 Wooden Bridge built over liesbeeck river that greatly improved access to the Cape Observatory Observatory Warner – Astr, p.59.
173 1842 Corona and prominences observed during solar eclipse Observation Cambridge Chronology
173 1842 Christian Doppler (1803 – 53) propose that the colour of starlight would be affected by the velocity of the star. Science Cambridge, p.293.
172 1843 Heinrich Schwabe (1789 – 1875) announces sunspot cycle. Science Cambridge, p.265.
171 1844 Charles Darwin “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection” Biology Discoveries, p.212.
171 1844 Bessel argues Sirius and Procyon has unseen companions. Look 1862 Observation Cambridge, p.305.
171 1844 Tempory dome at Cape Observatory for Dollond 3-inch telescope Observatory / Telescope Warner – Astr, p.63.
171 1844 November 23 Henderson, previous director and now Astronomer Royal for Scotland dies. Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.36.
170 1845 Le Verrier (1811 – 77) predicts the existance of Neptune Science Cambridge, p.192.
170 1845 February “””Leviathan of Parkstone”” reflector completed at Birr Castle (William Parsons, third Earl of Rosse 1800 – 67)” Telescope Cambridge p.253.
170 1845 April Drawing of M 51.Spiral structure of nebula recognised (Earl of Rosse) Science Cambridge p.255.
170 1845 First Daguerrotype photo of Sun taken by J.L.B. Foucault (1819 – 68) and A Fizeau (1819 – 96) Astro-photography Cambridge, p.271.
170 1845 Smyth appointed Astronomer Royal for Scotland and leave Cape Town. Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.36.
169 1846 Supposed resolution of Orion Nebulae Observation Cambridge, p.255.
169 1846 September 23 Neptune (and satellite) discovered at Berlin Observatory by J.D. Galle and H.L. d’Arrest. Observation Cambridge, p.195
168 1847 Harvard 15-inch refractor completed Telescope Cambridge, p.282.
W. Struve’s layered model of the Galaxy Cosmology Cambridge, p.311.
168 1847 John Herschels “Results of Astronomical Observations made During the Years 1834, 5, 6, 7, 8 at the Cape of Good Hope” Publication Cambridge p.252
168 1847 Mann appointed assistant director at Cape Observatory (1847 – 1872) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.62.
168 1847 Permanent dome at Cape Observatory for Dollond 3-inch telescope Observatory / Telescope Warner – Astr, p.63.
Marx and Engels publish “Communist Manifesto” 1848. Political
1848: Year of the Revolutions Political
167 1848 January 9 Caroline Herschel dies at Hanover (1750 – 1848) Astronomer Cambridge, p.232.
166 1849 Benjamin Gould (1824 – 96) establish “Astronomical Journal” in U.S.A. Journal Cambridge p.259.
166 1849 Dome at Cape Observatory for Mertz 7-inch Telescope Observatory / Telescope Warner – Astr, p.63.
19th Century / 2nd half / 1851 – 1900
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 19th Century 2nd half / 1851 – 1900
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Important non-scientific events
AGO South Africa: Political
165 1850 May 1 Bradley Zenith Sector returned to England Instrument Warner – Astr, p.56 – 57. South Africa: Astronomy
163 1852 Sir Edward Sabine (1788 – 1883) announces sunspots linked with magnetic storms Science Cambridge, p.265. Astronomy (excluding South Africa)
163 1852 October 9 Mann visit U.K. (1852 Oct – 1853 Dec) to learn to use the Airy Transit Circle. Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.65. Science (excluding Astronomy)
162 1853 Cape Observatory: time service: Time Ball service extended to Signal Hill and Simon’s Town Observatory Warner – Astr, p.64. Milestone Events
160 1855 January 27 Airy Transit Circle installed. Replaced both Dollond Transit Circle and Greenwich Mural Circle.(Cape Observatory) Observatory / Instrument Warner – Astr, p.66. Celestial Event
159 1856 Norman Pogson (1829 – 91) define and publish magnitude scale of stars. Science Cambridge, p.297.
159 1856 First silver on glass astronomical mirrors. Method developed by Justus von Liebig (1803 – 73) in 1853. Instrument Cambridge, p.275.
158 1857 James Clerk Maxwell (1831 – 79) shows Saturns rings made of particles. Observation Cambridge, p.282.
157 1858 June Donati’s Comet. Extremely bright comet Celestial Event Cambridge, p.277.
157 1858 Warren De La Rue (1815 – 89) photographs sunspots by collodion process. Astro-photography Cambridge, p.271.
156 1859 The Refrigerator invented by Ferdinand Carre (1824 – 94) Mechanical Discoveries, p.218.
156 1859 Wilhelm Tempel finds nebulosity around Merope in Pleiades Observation Cambridge, p.319.
156 1859 Le Verrier notice the anomalous advance of the perihelion of Mercury.The solution lay in Einstein’s General theory published in 1915. Observation Cambridge, p.339.
156 1859 Robert Bunsen (1811- 99) and Gustav Kirchhoff (1824 – 87) associate elements with spectral lines in laboratory [spectral analysis] Experiment Cambridge, pp.263 – 64; Disvoveries, p.220.
156 1859 September 1 Solar Superstorm: Aurora’s over equator – telegraph lines malfunctioning Celestial Event SciAm Aug 08, pp.60 – 67
156 1859 “””Bonner Durchmusterung”” (1859 – 63) F.W.A. Argelander (1799 – 1875) publish position of stars as determined by Bonn astronomers.” Journal Cambridge, p.259.
155 1860 Maclear receives the Knighthood for his work on the Arc Meridian Astronomer Astr SA, p.66.
American Civil War: 1861 – 65 Political
154 1861 Kirchhoff’s map of solar spectrum with elements identified. 1861 – 62 Science Cambridge, pp.263 – 64.
153 1862 A. J. Angstrom (1814 – 74) shows hydrogen present in solar atmosphere Observation Cambridge, p.264.
153 1862 Alvan Clark observes companion of Sirius. Look 1844 Observation Cambridge, p.305.
152 1863 “””Astronomische Gesellenschaft”” founded” Journal Cambridge p.259.
151 1864 James Clerk Maxwell (1831 – 79): “Theory of Electromagnetism”. Science Infinity, pp. 22 – 23.
151 1864 Donati examines light of comet with spectroscope Science Cambridge, p.279.
151 1864 August 29 William Huggins (1824 – 1910) shows a nebula to be formed of gas Science Cambridge, p.293.
150 1865 Time Service: Time Ball installed at Port Elizabeth and operated electronically from Cape Observatory (+/- 750 Km) Instrument Warner – Astr; p.64.
149 1866 Giovanni Schiaparelli (1835 – 1910) links August meteors with comet. Observation Cambridge, p.281.
148 1867 Alfred Nobel (1833 – 96) invents Dynamite Science Discoveries, p.230.
148 1867 Maclear receives Lalande Medal from the French Academie of Science for re-measuring the Arc of the Meridian Astronomer Astr SA, p.66.
147 1868 Angelo Secchi (1818 – 78) describes four types of stellar spectra. Science Cambridge, p.290.
147 1868 Norman Lockyer coin term “Chromosphere” for a layer of the Sun. Terminology Cambridge, p.268.
147 1868 Edwin Stone (1831 – 97) elected to Royal Society Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.74.
146 1869 Norman Lockyer knighted for his work on Spectroscopy. Astronomer Cambridge, p.268.
146 1869 Dimitri Ivanovich Mendeleyev (1834 – 1907) “Periodic Table” Science Infinity, p.21; Discoveries, p.232.
146 1869 The last speculum metal mirror telescope to be made was installed at the Melbourne Observatory. It was a Grubb of Dublin 48-inch telescope . Telescope Cambridge, p.276.
146 1869 Stone receives Gold medal from Royal Astronomical Society Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.74.
146 1869 Maclear receives Royal Society Gold Medal for the re-measuring the Arc of the Meridian Astronomer Astr SA, p.66.
146 1869 May 18 Gill takes photo of Moon (Astrophotography) Astro-photography Astr SA, p.73; Warner – Astr, p.82.
145 1870 C.A. Young (1834 – 1908) observes reversing layer during solar eclipse Observation Cambridge, p.269.
145 1870 Maclear (age 76) and Mann retire Astronomer Astr SA, p.67.
145 1870 October 13 Edwin Stone (1831 – 97) Director of Cape Observatory (1870 -1879) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.74.
144 1871 May 11 John Herschel dies at Kent (1792 – 1871) Astronomer Cambridge, p.248; Astr SA, p.66.
144 1871 Stone work on methedology to measure speed of sound Science Warner – Astr, p.76.
143 1872 Bacteria discovered by Ferdinand Julius Cohn (1828 – 98) Biology Discoveries, p.234.
143 1872 Henry Draper (1837 – 82) photographs spectrum of Vega Science / Astro-photography Cambridge, p.288.
143 1872 February Aurora visible from Cape Town Celestial Event
142 1873 Gregorian Calendar (see 1582) Japan implements the Calender reforms Calendar Calendar p.vi
142 1873 Nevill (1849 – 1940) Elected as Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society Astronomer
142 1873 April 30 Mann dies Astronomer Astr SA, p.70; Warner – Astr, p.75.
142 1873 June 21 W.H. Finley (1849 – ): Chief assistant at Cape Observatory (1873 – 1897) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.75.
141 1874 April 16 Total Solar Eclipse in Namaqualand. Stone observed it and with his Browning Spectroscope which was the first ever scientific spectroscopic observations in Southern Africa. Celestial Event / Science Warner – Astr, p.75 – 76.
141 1874 April During the eclipse expedition Stone took magnetic equipment along and produced the first set of magnetic observations of Namaqualand. Celestial Event / Science Warner – Astr, p.76.
141 1874 7-inch Mercz telescope receive a new mounting Instrument Warner – Astr, p.76.
141 1874 December 9 Transit of Venus (not visible in South Africa) Celestial Event Astr SA, p.134.
141 1874 John Goodricke (1764 – 86) discovers that Delta Cephei is a variable star. (Cepheid Variable stars – Look Leavitt 1908) Observation Cambridge, p.314.
139 1876 Four-stroke internal combustion engine developed by Nikolaus August Otto (1832 – 91) Mechanical Discoveries, p.238.
139 1876 Dry gelatine plates used in photography Astro-photography Cambridge Chronology
139 1876 Nevill publish the first book on the Moon in English: “The Moon, and the Conditions and Configuration of its Surface” Astronomer Astr SA, p.133.
139 1876 February 12 Observations initiated at Cape Observatory to monitor sunspots by taking two photo’s per day with a Dallmeyer photoheliograph. Interest waned after a while Observation / Asro-photograpy Warner – Astr, p.77.
138 1877 Deimos and Phobos, the two moons of Mars discovered by Asaph Hall (1829 – 1907) Observation Cambridge, p.282.
137 1878 December Stone appointed Radcliffe Observer at Oxford. Astronomer Warner – Astr, pp.77 – 78.
136 1879 May Stone complete the Catologue of Southern Hemisphere Stars. “Catalogue of 12,441 stars for the epoch 1880; from observations made at the Royal Observatory, Cape of Good Hope, during the years 1871 to 1879.” Catalogue Warner – Astr, p.79.
136 1879 May 27 Stone sail for England to take up post of Radcliffe Observer Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.79.
136 1879 June David Gill (1843 – 1914) Director of Cape Observatory (1879 -1907) Astronomer
136 1879 July 14 Maclear dies. (Buried in Cape Observatory. Grounds) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.71.
135 1880 Stone publish the Catologue of Southern Hemisphere Stars. Receives Lalande Medal Catalogue Warner – Astr, p.79.
135 1880 Dun Echt Heliometer installed at Cape Observatory Telescope Warner – Astr, p.88.
135 1880 Henry Draper (1837 – 82) takes first photograph of Orion Nebula Astro-photography Cambridge, p.271.
134 1881 Luis Pasteur develop his “germ theory of disease” and takes vaccination a step further. [Look 1796] Biology Discoveries, p.242.
134 1881 “””Astronomische Gesellenschaft’ help to publish “”Astronomishe Nachrichten””” Journal Cambridge, p.259.
133 1882 Stone was appointed as Astronomer in Charge to co-ordinate the British Transit of Venus Observations. (I am not sure of the exact date of appointment but it should be between 1879 and 1881; CL) Astronomer
133 1882 September 8 Finlay discover the “Great comet of 1882”. (C/1882R1) Celestial Event Warner – Astr, p.88.
133 1882 Gill takes photo of Comet (Astrophotography) Astro-photography Warner – Astr, pp.88 – 89; Astr SA, pp.75 – 76
133 1882 December 1 Natal Observatory (1882 – 1911) established; Director Nevill [Neison] (1849 – 1940) Observatory / Astronomer Astr SA, p.135.
133 1882 8 inch Grubb & 3 inch T&S Transit telescope installed Natal Observatory Telescope Astr SA, p.135.
133 1882 December 6 Transit of Venus Celestial Event
130 1885 Nova S Andromedae encourages opposition to “island universes” Cosmology Cambridge Chronology
128 1887 Radio invented by Guglielmo Marconi (1874 – 1937) Radio Discoveries, p.256.
128 1887 E.C. Pickering initiates study of spectroscopic binaries Observation Cambridge, p.299.
128 1887 April Carte Du Ciel (CDC) inaugurated. In 1885 the director of the Paris Observatory, Admiral E.B. Mouchez (1821 – 92) conceived the idea of a photograpic star chart. A meeting was held in April 1887 attended by 56 astronomers from 19 nations. Due to problems the results were only published in 1964. Catalogue / Astro-photography Cambridge p.260.
128 1887 7 inch Repsold Heliometer installed at Cape Observatory Telescope Warner – Astr, p.90.
126 1889 The precurser to what became Boyden Observatory was started in Arequipa, Peru. Conditions proved to be less than perfect. Observatory
126 1889 Astrographic Refractor installed at Cape Observatory Telescope Warner – Astr, pp.92 – 93.
125 1890 Draper Catalogue Published. First to list the spectral type and magnitudes of stars (10 000 stars listed) Catalogue Cambridg, p.298.
125 1890 Lockyer – “Meteoritic Hypothesis” Cosmology Cambridge, p.308.
125 1890 Stone publish the Radcliffe Catalogue Catalogue Warner – Astr, p.79.
123 1892 “””Astrophysical Journal”” founded by George Ellery Hale (1868 – 1938)” Journal Cambridge, p.260.
121 1894 AW Roberts (1857 – 1938) Elected as Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society Astronomer
120 1895 November 8 Wilhelm Rontgen: Discover X-Ray’s Physics Infinity, pp.24 – 25; Discoveries, p.260.
120 1895 36-inch Crossley reflector installed at Lick Observatory. This telescope first demonstrated the suitability for silver-on-glass reflectors for taking photographs of nebula. Telescope Cambridge, p.276.
119 1896 March 1 Henri Bequerel: Discover “Uranium Rays”, now known as “radioactivity. Physics Infinity, pp.26 – 27.
119 1896 R.T.A. Innes arrive Cape Town Astronomer Astr SA, p.95.
118 1897 Psychoanalysis and psychotherapy: Sugmund Freud (1856 – 1939) Psychology Discoveries, p.262.
118 1897 Yerkes 40-inch refractor completed Telescope Cambridge Chronology
118 1897 May 9 Stone dies at Oxford England. Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.79.
117 1898 Marie (1867 – 1934) and Pierre (1859 – 1906) Curie begin their famous studies that led to an understanding of radioactivity. Physics Discoveries, p.264.
117 1898 AW Roberts Elected as Fellow of the Royal Society of England Astronomer
117 1898 Astronomische Gesellenschaft’ help to publish “Astronomishe Jahrsberig” which abstracted every publication concerning Astronomy. Look 1969 Journal Cambridge p.259.
117 1898 October 25 S.S. Hough (1879 – 1923) Chief assistant at Cape Observatory (1898 – 1907) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.109.
1899 – 1902 Anglo Boer War History: South Africa
116 1899 David Gill reduced and publish “Catalogue of 1905 stars for the equinox 1865.0 from observations made at the Royal Observatory, Cape of Good Hope, during the years 1861 to 1870, under the direction of Sir Thomas Maclear”. Catalogue
116 1899 Gill Publish “Catalogue of 2798 Zodiacal stars for the epoch 1900, arranged for differential observations of the planets” Catalogue
116 1899 Gill publish “A Catalogue of 8560 Astrographic Standard Stars between Declination -40deg and -52deg for the Equinox 1900 from observations made at the Royal Observatory, Cape of Good Hope, during the years 1896-99, under the direction of Sir David Gill. With Appendices.” Catologue
115 1900 May 24 Gill knighted Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.106.
20th Century / 1st half / 1901 – 1950
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 20th Century 1st half / 1901 – 1950
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Important non-scientific events
AGO South Africa: Political
114 1901 Victoria Telescope (Cape Observatory) Telescope Astr SA, p.79. South Africa: Astronomy
114 1901 May Reversable Transit Circle that was designed by Gill installed at Cape Observatory Telescope Warner – Astr, p.101. Astronomy (excluding South Africa)
114 1901 Max Planck (1858 – 1947) postulates the Quantum theory Physics Cambridge, p.301; Infinity, pp.30 -31.
114 1901 August 14 First powered flight (controversial) made by Gustav Weiskopf (1874 – 1927) at Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA Flight Discoveries, p.274. Science (excluding Astronomy)
113 1902 December 14 First powered flight (controversial) made by Wilbur Wright (1867 – 1912), assisted by his brother Orville (1871 – 1948) Physics Discoveries, p.274; Faber, p.236.
112 1903 April 1 Transvaal Meteorological Department (1903 – 1909) start operations. Innes move from Cape Town to Johannesburg Observatory Astr SA, p.92. Milestone Events
112 1903 R.T.A. Innes (1861 – 1933) Director of Tvl Meteorological Department (1903 – 1923) Astronomer Astr SA, p.92. Celestial Event
111 1904 International Union for Co-operation in Solar Research founded. With Carte du Ciel (1887) this was one of the first ever International co-operations and helped to pave the way for the founding of the IAU in 1919. Society Cambridge, p.261.
110 1905 Hertzsprung (1873 – 1967) – of Hertzsprung-Russel diagram – suspects existence of a class of ‘giant’ stars Cosmology Cambridge, p.308.
110 1905 January 17 Official opening of Transvaal Meteorological. Opened by Lord Milner. Innes 1st director Observatory Astr SA, p.92.
110 1905 Gill’s Reversable Transit Circle at Cape Observatory becomes operational after a long delay. Telescope Warner – Astr, p.101.
110 1905 Albert Einstein (1879 – 1955) publish “Special Theory of Relativity” Physics Cambridge, p.339.
109 1906 J.C. Kapteyn’s (1851 – 1922) Plan of Selected Areas. This was a call for international co-operation to collect data on Galaxy structure. Cosmology Cambridge, p.312.
109 1906 October 3 Gill leave S.A. for London due to ill health Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.106.
109 1906 H.E. Wood starts work at Transvaal Meteorological Department Astronomer Astr SA, p.102.
108 1907 Gill elected President of the British Association Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.107.
108 1907 October 3 Reunert Telescope (Tvl Meteorologic) known as 9-inch untill 1924. First observation on 3 Oct Telescope Astr SA, p.96.
108 1907 S.S. Hough (1879 – 1923): Director of Cape Observatory (1907 – 1923) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.109.
108 1907 June 30 J.K.E. Halm: Chief assistant at Cape Observatory (1907 – 1927) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.112.
107 1908 Mt Wilson 60-inch reflector completed (largest telescope in the world 1908 – 1917) Telescope Cambridge, p.276.
107 1908 Henrietta Leavitt (1868 – 1921) publish the ‘period-luminosity’ relationship for Cepheid Variable stars. Science Cambridge, p.314.
107 1908 Hough became 1st President of the Royal Society of S. Africa (Was previously known as the South African Institurion) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.113.
107 1908 Gill receives second Gold Medal from the Royal Astronomical Society. Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.107.
106 1909 Gill elected President of the Royal Astronomical Society (1909 – 10) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.107.
106 1909 Name change: Transvaal Meteorological Department to Transvaal Observatory (1909 – 1912) Observatory
106 1909 Franklin Adams Telescope (Gift to Tvl Observatory) Telescope Astr SA, p.97.
1910 Union of South Africa History: South Africa
105 1910 Installation 4 inch heliostat at Cape Observatory for Solar Photography (1910 – ?) Telescope
105 1910 Halley’s Comet Celestial Event
104 1911 Ernest Rutherford (1871 – 1937) proposes a model of the atom. Physics Cambridge, p.301; Discoveries, p.290.
104 1911 Closure of Natal Observatory due to lack of funds Observatory Astr SA, p.135
103 1912 Cape Astronomical Association; 1st Astronomical Soc in SA Society
103 1912 Franklin Adams “Twin Telescope” (Gift to Tvl Observatory) Telescope Astr SA, p.98.
103 1912 April 1 Name change: Transvaal Observatory to Union Observatory (1912 – 1961) Observatory Astr SA, p.98.
103 1912 Continental Drift Theory proposed by Alfred Wegener.
102 1913 Niels Bohr (1885 – 1962) proposed model of the atom Physics Cambridge, p.301.
102 1913 Norton Russel (1877 – 1957) [Hertzsprung-Russel diagram] presents for field stars (stars not in clusters) He correlated absolute magnitude with spectral type. Science Cambridge, p.299.
World War One: 1914 – 1917 Political
101 1914 January 24 Gill dies Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.107.
101 1914 Slipher announces large radial velocities of spiral nebula Cosmology Cambridge, p.326.
101 1914 Harlow Shapley’s (1885 – 1972) theory of pulsating stars Cosmology Cambridge, p.306.
101 1914 W.S. Adams and Arnold Kohlschutter establish method of spectroscopic parallaxes Science Cambridge, p.300.
100 1915 Continental Drift Theory proposed by Alfred Wegener. “The Origin of Continents and Oceans” Geology Discoveries, p.292.
100 1915 Einstein publish “General Theory of Relativity” Physics Discoveries, p.298.
100 1915 July Innes discover Proxima Centauri. Took second photograph in July. Publish it in circular of” Union Observatory Circular” in ? Observation Astr SA, p.94.; Conversation Ian Glass
100 1915 Einstein explain Mercury’s strange perihelion, using his “General Theory of Relativity”. Physics Cambridge,p.196.
99 1916 Van Maanen claims evidence of rotation in M 101 Observation Cambridge, p.327.
Russian Revolution: 1917 Political
98 1917 Gregorian Calendar (see 1582) Russia implements the Calender reforms (and do so again in 1940) Calendar Calendar p.vi
98 1917 Mt Wilson 100-inch reflector completed Telescope Cambridge, p.276.
97 1918 Shapley proposes ‘Big Gallery’ Cosmology Cambridge, p.312 – 7.
97 1918 Publication begins of Henry Draper catalogue of stellar spectra Catalogue Cambridge, p.298 -9.
97 1918 Johannesburg Astronomical Association founded Society
Great Influenza Epidemic: 1918 – 1919 World Event
96 1919 A.S. Eddington (1882 – 1944) confirms Einsteins theory of relativity (bending of light) during solar eclipse Observation / Milestone Infinity, p.107.
96 1919 International Astronomical Union founded Due to the repercussions of World War one the defeated nations were not initially included. Germany only became a member in 1952. Society Cambridge p.261.
95 1920 Great Debate’ between Harlow Shapley (1885 – 1972) and Heber D. Curtis (1872 – 1942) Cosmology Cambridge, p.329.
95 1920 Meghnad Saha (1894 – 1956) publishes theory of ionization in stellar atmospheres Physics Cambridge, pp.301 – 2.
94 1921 May 15 Solar Storm: Electrical Grids malfuntioned Celestial Event SciAm Aug 08, p.66
93 1922 South Africa joins the IAU Society C:\Files\Astronomy\Historical_SA\Archive\Societies\Cape Astr Association\Correspondence36b
93 1922 Cape and Johannesburg Societies amalgamate to form the “Astronomical Society of South Africa” (A.S.S.A.) Society
92 1923 Edwin P. Hubble (1889 – 1953) finds Cepheid variable in Andromeda Galaxy Observation Cambridge, p.329.
92 1923 July 8 Hough dies Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.113.
92 1923 December 3 Harold Spencer Jones (1890 – 1960): Director of Cape Observatory (1923 – 1933) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.114.
91 1924 9-inch telescope at Union Observatory became known as Reunert Telescope Astr SA, p.96.
91 1924 A.S. Eddington (1882 – 1944) discover the Mass-Luminosity relation Physics Cambridge, p.303.
90 1925 Hubble demonstrates Andromeda Nebula is independent galaxy Cosmology Cambridge, p.333.
90 1925 Cecilia Payne (later Payne-Gaposchkin 1900 – 79) publish “Stellar Atmospere’s” Cosmology Cambridge, p.302.
90 1925 Brukkaros Observatory opened (1925 – 1931) Observatory Astr SA, p.142.
90 1925 Yale Observatory opened (1925 – 1951) Observatory Astr SA, p.112.
90 1925 H.L. Alden: Director of Yale Observatory (1925 – 1945) Astronomer Astr SA, p.112.
90 1925 26 inch telescope installed at Yale Observatory Telescope Astr SA, p.111.
90 1925 W.H. van den Bos (1896 – 1974) start work at Union Observatory Astronomer Astr SA, p.101.
90 1925 26.5 inch telescope installed at Union Observatory Telescope Astr SA, p.102.
89 1926 March 26 First Liquid-fuel rocket launched by R.H. Goddard Science Space, p.67.
88 1927 A.S. Eddington (1882 – 1944) – “The Internal Constitution of the Stars”. Postulate the source of stellar energy. Physics Cambridge, p.304.
88 1927 Werner Heisenberg (1901 – ): “Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle” Physics Infinity, p.37.
88 1927 “””Big Bang”” theory postulated by Georges Lemaitre (1894 -1966)” Cosmology Infinity, p.98.
88 1927 Jan Oort (1900 – 92) analyses stellar motions to study structure of Galaxy Cosmology Cambridge, p.317.
88 1927 H.E. Wood starts work at Transvaal Meteorological Department Astronomer Astr SA, p.102.
88 1927 H. Horrocks: Chief assistant at Cape Observatory (1927 – 1935) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.116.
88 1927 Boyden move from Arequipa (Peru) to Bloemfontein Observatory Astr SA, p.122.
88 1927 J.S. Paraskevopoulos (1889 – 1974): Director of Boyden Observatory (1927 – 1951) Astronomer Astr SA, p.122.
88 1927 1.5 m Rockefeller Telescope moved from Arequipa (Peru) to Boyden. Was largest telescope in South Africa 1927 – 1951. Telescope Astr SA, p.122.
88 1927 30 cm (12inch) telescope moved from Arequipa (Peru) to Boyden. Telescope Astr SA, p.122.
87 1928 R.A. Rossiter (1896 – 1977): Director of Lamont-Hussey Observatory (1928 – 1952) Astronomer Astr SA, p.130.
87 1928 27 inch Refractor installed at Lamont-Hussey Observatory Telescope Astr SA, p.130.
Stock Market Crash: 1929 World Event
86 1929 Hubble shows galaxies receding in conformity with ‘law of redshift’ Science Cambridge, p.341 – 3.
85 1930 Robert J. Trumpler (1886 – 1956) demonstrates existence of interstellar dust in plane of Galaxy Observation Cambridge, p.322.
85 1930 February 18 Discovery of Pluto by Clyde William Tombaugh (1906 – ) Observation / Planet Cambridge, p.285.
85 1930 First circular particle accelerator or cyclotron invented by Ernest Lawrence. Physics Infinity, p.50.
85 1930 Spencer Jones elected Fellow of the Royal Society. Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.116.
84 1931 S. Chandrasekhar investigates structure of white dwarf stars Cosmology Cambridge, p.305.
84 1931 Brukkaros Observatory close Observatory Astr SA, p.142.
84 1931 Minor planet Eros on closest approach to earth. Spencer Jones direct international project Celestial Event / Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.116.
83 1932 James Chadwick identify a new fundamental particle of the atomic structure, the neutron Physics Cambridge, p.305.
83 1932 Radio: Karl Jansky (1905 – 50) constructs antenna, detects radio waves from Milky Way Radio Cambridge, p.352.
82 1933 March 13 Innes dies. Astronomer
82 1933 Spencer Jones return to England. Appointed Astronomer Royal for England. (1933 – 1954) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.116.
82 1933 March 27 John Jackson (1887 – 1958): Director of Cape Observatory (1933 – 1950) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.117.
81 1934 Walter Baade (1893 – 1974) and Fritz Zwicky (1893 – 1960) publish theory of neutron stars; shows that nova falls into two classes. They postulate “pulsars” which were discovered in 1967. Cosmology Cambridge, p.306, p.307.
80 1935 October 25 R.H. Stoy (1910 – 94): Chief assistant at Cape Observatory (1935 – 1950) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p117.
80 1935 Nevill receives Gold Medal from the Royal Chemical Society Astronomer Astr SA, p.136.
78 1937 Grote Reber (1911 – ) constructs 9-metre dish steerable in elevation Radio Cambridge, p.352.
78 1937 Radcliffe Observatory opens (1937 – 1974) Observatory Astr SA, p.115.
78 1937 May 14 D.S. Evans (1916 – 2004) Elected as Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society Astronomer
77 1938 Nuclear fission: Experiment by Otto Hahn (1879 – 1968) and Friedrich Strassman (1902 – 80) Physics Discoveries, p.324.
77 1938 Alexander Menzies (1905 – 88)Elected as Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society Astronomer
77 1938 Hertzsprung 1st astronomer sent by Leiden to Union Observatory Astronomer
77 1938 Union Observatory gets new buildings Observatory
77 1938 16 inch twin Rockefeller Telescope (Union) Telescope Astr SA, p.107.
World War Two: 1939 – 1941 Political
76 1939 H.A. Bethe’s (1906 – ) detailed theory of nuclear source of stellar energy Physics Cambridge, p.304.
76 1939 Outbreak of World War Two leads to intensive development of radar Radio Cambridge Chronology
76 1939 H. Knox-Shaw (1885 – 1979): Director Radcliffe Observatory (1939 – 1951) Astronomer Astr SA, p.115.
75 1940 Nevill dies at Eastbourne (England) Astronomer Astr SA, p.136.
75 1940 Gregorian Calendar (see 1582) Russia implements the Calender reforms for second time (see 1917) Calendar Calendar p.vi
74 1941 van den Bos (1896 – 1974): Director of Union Observatory (1941 – 1956) Astronomer Astr SA, p.103.
73 1942 Detection of radio waves from the Sun Radio Cambridge, p.352.
73 1942 December 2 Selfsustaining nuclear chain reaction (nuclear powerplant) achieved by Enrico Fermi (1901 – 54) Physics Discoveries, p.328.
72 1943 Spencer Jones receives Knighthood from the British Empire Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.116.
72 1943 Spencer Jones receives a Medal from the Royal Astronomical Society. Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.116.
72 1943 Spencer Jones receives a Medal from the Royal Society. Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.116.
71 1944 Baade announces discovery of Stellar populations Observation Cambridge, p.335.
70 1945 July 16 First nuclear device detonated in New Mexico (USA) Milestone / Physics Discoveries, p.334.
70 1945 August Second nuclear device detonated at Hiroshima Japan Political Discoveries, p.334.
70 1945 August Third nuclear device detonated at Nagasaki Political Discoveries, p.334.
70 1945 End of World War Two releases radar equipment and personnel for scientific work Radio Cambridge Chronology
69 1946 Space: V2 rockets make ultraviolet observations of the Sun Space Cambridge, .359.
69 1946 David Evans: Second Assistant at Radcliffe Observatory (1946 – 1951) Astronomer Astr SA, p.115.
69 1946 Adriaan Wesselink (1909 – 95): Superintendant Leiden Observatory (1946 – 1950) Astronomer
68 1947 Cyril Jackson (1903 – 88): Director of Yale Observatory (1947 – 1951) Astronomer Astr SA, p.113.
68 1947 Alan Cousins (1903 – 2001) joins Cape Observatory Astronomer
67 1948 Steady State Theory proposed by Fred Hoyle (1915 -) Herman Bondi (1919 -) and Thomas Gold (1920 -) Cosmology Cambridge, p.356.
67 1948 48-inch (1.25 m) Schmidt telescope completed. Palomar Mountain. (USA) Telescope Cambridge
67 1948 200-inch telescope completed. Palomar Mountain. (USA) Telescope Cambridge, p.337.
67 1948 V2 rockets detect solar X-rays Space Cambridge, p.361.
67 1948 Aerobee rockets introduced Space Cambridge
66 1949 October 1 Gregorian Calendar (see 1582) China implements the Calendar reforms. This was the last country to switch to the Gregorian Calendar and so for the first time the whole World use the same calendar Calendar Calendar p.vi
66 1949 First identification of radio sources with optical objects Radio Cambridge, p.354.
65 1950 R.H. Stoy (1910 – 94): Director of Cape Observatory (1950 – 1968) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.121.
65 1950 Walraven Superintendent of Leiden Observatory (1950 – 76) Astronomer Astr SA, p.107.
20th Century / 2nd half / 1951 – 2000
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 20th Century 2nd half / 1951 – 2000
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Important non-scientific events
AGO South Africa: Political
64 1951 Detection of 21 centimetre line Radio Cambridge, p.355. South Africa: Astronomy
64 1951 March 13 D.S. Evans: Chief assistant at Cape Observatory (1951 – 1968) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.120. Astronomy (excluding South Africa)
64 1951 A.D. Thackeray : Director Radcfliffe Observatory (1951 – 1974) Astronomer Astr SA, p.118. Science (excluding Astronomy)
64 1951 Closure of Yale Observatory Observatory Astr SA, p.113. Milestone Events
64 1951 Boyden Observatory: No official Director (1951 – 1968) Observatory Astr SA, p.112. Celestial Event
64 1951 74 inch 2 m Telescope installed at Radcliffe (1951 – 1974). Largest telescope in South Africa 1951 – 2003 Telescope Astr SA, p.115.
63 1952 First proton synchroton at Brookhaven National Laboratory. (USA) Physics Infinity, p.56.
63 1952 Bubble chamber for detecting particles invented by Donald Glaser Physics Infinity, p.55.
63 1952 Baade announces revision of distance scale Science Cambridge, pp.334 -8.
63 1952 Germany joins IAU only in 1952. Look 1919 Society Cambridge, p.261.
62 1953 February 28 DNA decoded by Francis Crick (1916 – ) and James Watson (1928 – ) Biology Discoveries, p.340.
61 1954 Leiden Observatory at Hartebeeshoek (1954 – 1978) Observatory Astr SA, p.107.
61 1954 Franklin Adams Telescope moved from Union to Hartebeeshoek Telescope / Observatory Astr SA, p.107.
61 1954 CERN: Construction work starts on the particle accelerator at Geneva, Switzerland Physics Infinity, p.56.
60 1955 45 cm Cox-Hargreaves telescope installed at Cape Observatory Telescope Warner – Astr, p.121.
59 1956 A.S.S.A. name change from Astronomical Society of South Africa to Southern Africa. Society
59 1956 Richard Wooley van der Riet appointed Astronomer Royale for England (1956 – 1971) Astronomer Astr SA, p.86.
59 1956 Stoy 1st Honorary Prof. Astronomy at Univ of Cape Town Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.122.
59 1956 26 inch telescope moved from Yale to Mt Stromlo, Australia Telescope
58 1957 Laser (Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) achieved by G Gould (1920 – ) A Schawlow (1921 – 99) and C Townes (1915 – ) Physics Discoveries, p.348.
58 1957 October 4 Sputnik 1 launched (USSR) Space Cambridge, p.361; Space, p.93.
58 1957 Jodrell Bank (UK) 250-foot fully steerable dish Radio Cambridge, p.354.
58 1957 Founding of “Association of Universities” for Research in Astronomy. (U.S.A.) Society Cambridge, p.346.
58 1957 W.S. Finsen: Director of Union Observatory (1957 – 1965) Astronomer Astr SA, p.104.
58 1957 16 inch Rockefeller Twin Telescope moved from Union to Hartebeeshoek Telescope Astr SA, p.107.
58 1957 36 inch Flux Collector telescope installed at Hartebeeshoek Telescope Astr SA, p.108.
58 1957 November 3 Sputnik 2 launched (USSR) Carried a dog named Laika. Space Space, p.96.
57 1958 February 1 Explorer 1: first American satelite launched Space Space, p.103.
57 1958 G.F. Knipe (1916 – 73): joins Union Observatory (1958 – 73) Astronomer Astr SA, p.105.
56 1959 February 17 Vanguard 2: the first weather satellite launched (USA) Space Space, p113.
56 1959 October 4 Luna 3 take first images of the back of Moon (USSR) Space Space, p.149; Cambridge, p.360.
56 1959 120-inch telescope, Mt Hamilton (USA) Telescope Cambridge Chronology
56 1959 Olifantsfontein Satelite Tracking Station (1959 – 1976) Observatory Astr SA, p.143.
56 1959 Southern Star Reference Catalogue (SRS) 1959 – ? Catalogue
55 1960 November 3 Spencer Jones dies in England Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.116.
55 1960 November 13 Solar Storm: Electrical Grids malfuntioned Celestial Event SciAm Aug 08, p.60
1961: Political Independence. South Africa change from the Union to the Republic of South Africa History: South Africa
1961: Political Independence.Start of International pressure on South Africa due to Apartheid History: South Africa
54 1961 April 12 First man in space. Yuri Gagarin flew in Vostok 1. (USSR) 1 orbit. Space Space, p.137.
54 1961 May 5 Mercury 3: Alan Shepard the first American in Space. (Suborbital) Space Space, p.137.
54 1961 July 21 Mercury 4: Gus Grissom in space. (USA) Suborbital Space Space, p.137.
54 1961 August 6 Vostok 2: Does 17 orbits. (USSR) Space Space, p.137.
54 1961 American satellite Transit 3A crashes and killed a cow in Cuba. Cow gets State funeral, as a victim of Imperialist aggression. Space / Cold War Space, p.136.
54 1961 Parkes (Australia) 64-metre steerable dish Radio Cambridge, p.362.
54 1961 Name Change: Union Observatory to Republic Observatory (1961 – 1971) Observatory Astr SA, p.104.
54 1961 Attempt fail to reform Calender (known as World – Univeral Calendar ) Each year would start on a Sunday Calendar Calendar p.329
54 1961 Arecibo (Puerto Rico) 305-metre dish in natural hollow. Radio Cambridge, p.363.
54 1961 First Quasars identified Observation Cambridge, p.362 – 4
53 1962 Aerobee rocket detects X-ray star (USA) Space Cambridge, p.361.
53 1962 Frank Holden (1917 – 92): Director of Lamont-Hussey Observatory (1962 – 1973) Astronomer Astr SA, p.130.
52 1963 Yale Observatory re-opened in El Leoncita, Argentinia Observatory
52 1963 June Vostok 6: First woman in space – Valentina Tereskhova (USSR) Space Space, p.140.
52 1963 Elizabeth telescope installed at Cape Observatory Telescope Astr SA, p.83.
51 1964 Ranger 7 gives images of the Moon’s surface (USA) Space Cambridge, p.360.
51 1964 Cambridge (UK) one-mile telescope Radio Cambridge Chronology
51 1964 Carte du Ciel (CDC) Catalogue published. Look 1887. Catalogue Cambridge p.260.
51 1964 Quarks discovered at CERN by George Zweig and Murray Gell-Mann (1929 – ) Physics Discoveries, p.352.
51 1964 Detection of microwave background radiation by Arno Penzias (1933 -) and Robert Wilson (1936 -) Observation / Physics / Milestone Cambridge, p.358; Infinity, p.100.
51 1964 Republic Observatory transferred to CSIR Observatory Astr SA, p.104.
51 1964 MRM telescope installed at Cape Observatory Telescope Astr SA, p.87.
50 1965 Jodrell Bank / Malvern (UK) VLBI 127-km baseline Radio Cambridge Chronology
50 1965 March 18 First space walkby Alexei Leonov aboard Voskhod 2. (USSR) Space Space, p.140.
50 1965 November 6 Explorer 29 better known as GEOS-A launched. (USA) First geodetic satellite used for investigating the shape of the Earth. Space Space, p.116.
50 1965 D.S. Evans 1965 – 66: National Science Foundation Senior Visiting Scientist Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin Astronomer Astr SA, p.84.
48 1967 January 27 Apollo 1: Disaster, crew burned to death whilst training. (USA) Killed: Virgil Grissom; Edward White and Roger Chaffee. Space Space, pp.142 – 4.
48 1967 April 23 Soyuz 1: Disaster, parachutes failed. (USSR) Killed: Vladimir Komarov Space Space, p.144.
48 1967 Canadian VLBI 3074-km baseline Radio Cambridge Chronology
47 1968 Orbiting Astronomical Observatory OAO-2 launched (USA) Space Cambridge, p.361.
47 1968 Announcement of discovery of first pulsar Observation Cambridge, p.361.
47 1968 D.S. Evans receives U.K. Civil Service rank of SPSO (Senior Principle Scientific officer) Astronomer MVol64, Nos1&2, p8
47 1968 D.S. Evans resign at Cape Observatory to become Professor in Astronomy at the University of Texas, as well as the Associate Director of Macdonald Observatory Astronomer MVol64, Nos1&2, p8
47 1968 Jarret Director of Boyden Observatory (1968 – 1989) Astronomer Astr SA, p.123.
47 1968 20 inch Telescope installed at Republic Observatory Telescope Astr SA, p.105.
46 1969 July Apollo 11: First humans on Moon (USA) Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins lands on Moon. Edwin Aldrin stay behind in orbiter. Milestone / Space Cambridge p.259; Space, p.186 – 192.
46 1969 “””Astronomy and Astrophysics Abstacts”” founded. This was an English publication of “”Astronomishe Jahrsberig”” (founded 1898) which was a publication of “”Astronomische Gesellenschaft”” (founded 1863) ” Journal Cambridge p.259.
46 1969 G.A. Harding: Officer in Charge of Cape Observatory (1969 – 1973) Astronomer Warner – Astr, p.124.
46 1969 Lowell Planetary Project (1969 – 1974) Project Astr SA, pp. 105 – 106
45 1970 April 11 Apollo 13: The big rescue. Space Space, pp.194 – 9.
45 1970 August 17 Venera 7sends signal from Venus. (USSR) Space Cambridge, p.360.
45 1970 Small Astronomical Satelite SAS-1 launched (USA) Space Cambridge, p.361.
45 1970 September 23 CSIR announced the amalgamation of Cape, Radcliffe and Republic Observatories to form the Combined South African Observatories [CSAO] (later renamed South African Astronomical Observatory [SAAO]) Observatory Astr SA, p.87.
45 1970 Cousens retires Astronomer
44 1971 van der Riet Wooley: Director of S.A.A.O. (1971 – 1976) Astronomer Astr SA, p.86.
43 1972 European Space Research Organization ultraviolet satelite TD-1 launched Space Cambridge Chronology
43 1972 Orbiting Astronomical Observatory OAO-3 (‘Copernicus’) launched (USA) Space Cambridge Chronology
43 1972 Small Astronomical Satelite SAS-2 launched (USA) Space Cambridge, p.361.
43 1972 Cambridge (UK) 5-km telescope Radio Cambridge Chronology
43 1972 Effelsberg (Federal Republic of Germany) 100-metre steerabledish Radio Cambridge Chronology
43 1972 S.A.A.O. officially founded (CSAO renamed South African Astronomical Observatory) Observatory Astr SA, p.86.
43 1972 Knipe dies Astronomer Astr SA, p.105.
43 1972 20 inch telescope moved from Republic to Sutherland Observatory Telescope Astr SA, p.85.
43 1972 Atomic Time replaces Earth Time as the world’s official time standard Calendar Calendar p.vii
42 1973 3.8-metre Telescope, Kitt Peak (USA) Telescope Cambridge Chronology
42 1973 1.24-metre UK Schmidt telescope, Siding Spring (Australia) Telescope Cambridge Chronology
42 1973 Official opening of Sutherland (S.A.A.O.) Observatory Astr SA, p.88.
42 1973 Skylab Space Discoveries, p.374.
41 1974 Astronomical Netherlands Satelite launched (Netherlands & US) Space Cambridge Chronology
41 1974 Mariner 10 photographs Mercury and Venus (USA) Space Cambridge Chronology
41 1974 Closure of Radcliffe / 74-inch moved to Sutherland Observatory Observatory / Telescope Astr SA, p.85.
41 1974 Feast: Director of S.A.A.O. (1974 – 1992) Astronomer
41 1974 March 30 van den Bos dies Astronomer Astr SA, p.104.
40 1975 Venera 9 photographs surface of Venus (USSR) Space Cambridge, p.360.
40 1975 Small Astronomical Satelite SAS-3 launched (USA) Space Cambridge, p.361.
40 1975 Gamma ray satelite Cos-B launched (ESA) Space Cambridge Chronology
40 1975 3.9-metre Anglo-Australian telescope, Siding Spring (Australia) Telescope Cambridge Chronology
40 1975 First Observations with Very Large Array, Soccoro (USA) Radio Cambridge, p.357.
39 1976 4-metre US telescope, Cerro Tololo (Chile) Telescope Cambridge Chronology
39 1976 6-mete telescope, Mt Pastukhov (USSR) Telescope Cambridge Chronology
39 1976 Viking probes photograph surface of Mars (USA) Space Cambridge Chronology
39 1976 Closure of Olifantsfontein Satelite Tracking Station Observatory
38 1977 Voyagers 1 and 2 launched (USA) Space Cambridge Chronology
38 1977 3.6-metre European Southern Observatory telescope, La Silla (Chile) Telescope Cambridge Chronology
37 1978 International Ultraviolet Explorer (ESA, UK, USA) launched Space Cambridge, p.361.
37 1978 High Energy Astrophysical Observatory HEAO-2 (‘Einstein Observatory’) launched (USA) Space Cambridge Chronology
37 1978 3.8-metre UK Infrared telescope, Mauna Kea, Hawaii Telescope Cambridge Chronology
37 1978 Closure of Leiden (Hartebeeshoek) Observatory
37 1978 36 inch Flux Collector telescope moved from Hartebeeshoek to ESO site at La Silla (Chile) Telescope
36 1979 Voyager 1 and 2 visit Jupiter (USA) Space Cambridge Chronology
36 1979 3.6-metre Canada-France-Hawaii telescope, Mauna Kea, Hawaii Telescope Cambridge Chronology
36 1979 3-metre US NASA Infrared telescope fascility, Mauna Kea, Hawaii Telescope Cambridge Chronology
36 1979 Multiple Mirror Telescope, Mt Hopkins (USA) Telescope Cambridge Chronology
36 1979 Alan Guth (1949 – ) postulate “Inflation Theory” Cosmology Infinity, p.103.
35 1980 Voyager 1 visit Saturn (USA) Space Cambridge Chronology
35 1980 Very Large Array fully operational Radio Cambridge Chronology
34 1981 April 12 First launch of the first space shuttle Columbia. (USA) Space Life, p236.
34 1981 Voyager 2 visit Saturn (USA) Space Cambridge Chronology
32 1983 Infrared Astronomical Satelite(Netherlands, UK, USA) launched Space Cambridge, p.361.
32 1983 X-ray satelite EXOSAT launched (ESA) Space Cambridge Chronology
31 1984 3.5-metre telescope, Calar Alto (Spain) Telescope Cambridge Chronology
30 1985 20 cm Coelostat telescope installed at Boyden Observatory Telescope
29 1986 Voyager 2 visit Uranus (USA) Space Cambridge Chronology
29 1986 Giotto and other spacecraft intercept Halley’s Comet (ESA) Space Cambridge Chronology
29 1986 MIR Spacestation 1986 – 1999 (USSR) Space Discoveries, p.374.
29 1986 Disaster: Space Shuttle Challenger explodes 73 seconds after take of killing 7 astronauts. Space Discoveries, p.374.
29 1986 James Clerk Maxwell telescope, 15-metre millimetre and submillimetre dish, Mauna Kea, Hawaii Radio Cambridge Chronology
29 1986 Superconductivity: J Bednorz (1950 – ) and K Muller (1927 – ) Physics Discoveries, p.376.
29 1986 Halley’s Comet Celestial Event
28 1987 February 23 Supernova 1987A Celestial Event
28 1987 4.2-metre UK telescope, Canary Islands Telescope Cambridge Chronology
28 1987 14 ft Herschel telescope mirror rediscovered at Cape Observatory Telescope
26 1989 Voyager 2 visit Neptune (USA) Space Cambridge Chronology
26 1989 Galileo probe to Jupiter launched; 1989 – 99 (USA) Space Cambridge Chronology; Discoveries, p.390.
26 1989 Hipparcos astrometric satelite launched (ESA) Space Cambridge Chronology
26 1989 Cosmic Background Explorer [COBE] launched (USA) Space Infinity, p.134.
26 1989 3.5-metre European Southern Observatory’s New Technology Telescope, La Silla (Chile) Telescope Cambridge Chronology
26 1989 Sweden-European Southern Observatory 15-metre submillimetre dish, Mauna Kea, Hawaii Radio Cambridge Chronology
26 1989 July 14 Large Electron Positron collider (LEP) becomes operational at CERN. Physics Infinity, p.78.
26 1989 0ctober 20 Solar Storm: Electrical Grids malfuntioned Celestial Event SciAm Aug 08, p.64
26 1989 Boyden Observatory: Period of inactivety (1989 – 1999) Observatory Astr SA, p.128.
25 1990 January John Mather (1947 – ) announces COBE satellite found black body radiation within 99.97% fit of Big Bang theory. Cosmology Infinity, p.134.
25 1990 April 24 Hubble Space Telescope Launched (USA) Space Cambridge Chronology; Infininty, p.120.
25 1990 Rontgestrahlen satellit (X-ray satelite) ROSAT (Germany, also UK and USA) launched Space Cambridge Chronology
25 1990 US Caltech submillimetre Observatory, 10.4-metre submillemetre dish, Mauna Kea, Hawaii Radio Cambridge Chronology
24 1991 Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Launched (USA) Space Cambridge Chronology; Infininty, p.124.
24 1991 10-metre Kech 1′ (9.8-metre) US Next Generation telescope, Mauna Kea, Hawaii Telescope Cambridge Chronology
23 1992 Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer EUVE launched (USA) Space Cambridge Chronology
23 1992 Stobie: Director of S.A.A.O. (1992 – 2002) Astronomer
22 1993 US Very Long Baseline Array VLBI, baseline up to 8 000km Radio Cambridge Chronology
22 1993 Asca -ray satelite launched (Japan) Space Cambridge Chronology
22 1993 December Hubble Space Telescope optics repaired Space Cambridge Chronology; Infininty, p.120.
1994: General Elections in South Africa. End of Apartheid era. (New International interest in South African Facilities) Political: South Africa
20 1995 Galileo visits Jupiter (USA) Space Cambridge Chronology
20 1995 Helio and Heliosheric Observatory launched (ESA) Space Cambridge Chronology
20 1995 Infrared Space Observatory launched (ESA) Space Cambridge Chronology
16 1999 Boyden revived as research and educational institution Observatory
15 2000 June 1.5 m ATP telescope operational at Sutherland Telescope
15 2000 July 14 Solar Storm: Electrical Grids malfuntioned Celestial Event SciAm Aug 08, p.65
15 2000 November 15 S.A.A.O.- IRSF (Infrared Survey Facility) opened Telescope
THE YEAR 2000 IN DIFFERENT CALENDARS ARE: Calendar
6236 according to the first Egyptian Calendar
5760 according to the Jewish Calendar
5119 in the current Maya great cycle
2753 according to the old Roman Calendar
2749 according to the ancient Babylonian Calendar
2544 according to the Buddist Calendar
1997 according to Christ’s actual birth circa 4 BC
1716 according to the Coptic Calendar
1420 according to the Muslem Calendar
1378 according to the Persian Calendar
208 according to the Calendar of the French Revolution
the year of the Dragon according to the Chinese Calendar
21st Century / 1st half / 2001 – 2050
DATE EVENT Topic Source Colour index 21st Century 1st half / 2001 – 2050
YEARS YEAR MONTH DAY Important non-scientific events
AGO South Africa: Political
14 2001 January Human Genome Project: Results made public. Biology Discoveries, p.392. South Africa: Astronomy
14 2001 Bronberg Observatory operational Observatory Astronomy (excluding South Africa)
12 2003 January 18 Bushfire destroys Mnt Stromlo in Australia/26 inch Yale destroyed Observatory / Telescope Science (excluding Astronomy)
10 2005 January 14 Huygens Probe lands on Titan, one of Saturn’s moons. It was part of an expedition in which the ESA send the Cassini craft to Saturn Space exploration Milestone Events
10 2005 November S.A.A.O. Official opening of S.A.L.T. Telescope Observatory / Telescope Celestial Event
8 2007 Astronomy Geographic Advantage Act, declares the Northern Cape an “astronomy advantage area”, giving the Minister of Science and Technology powers to protect the area from future radio interference. Observatory / Telescope
2015
3 2012 May 25 Announcement that South Africa wins the bid to host the SKA Observatory / Telescope
2015
2 2013 September 28 SALT telescope obtains first light after a mayor refit Observatory / Telescope Abbreviations
1 2014 ESA European Space Agency
1 2014 November 12 First time that a manmade object landed on a comet. Rosetta spacecraft lander named Philae lands on comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. Part of the ESA mission. Space exploration SKA Square Kilometre Array
Listing Sources: Author:
1421 1421 – The Year China Discovered the World Menzies; Gavin
Astr SA The Astronomy of Southern Africa Moore; Patrick & Collins; Pete.
Calendar The Calendar Duncan; David Ewing.
Cambridge Cambridge Illustrated History: Astronomy Hoskin; Michael. (ed)
Civilization v? Civilization Past and Present, Volume 1 and 2. Eighth Edition Wallbank et. al.
Discoveries Discoveries and Inventions: from Prehistoric to Modern Times Meidenbauer; Jorg. (ed)
Faber Faber Book of Science Carey; John.
Infinity The search for infinity – solving the mysteries of the Universe, Reed Consumer Book Limited, London, 1994.
Life LIFE in Space, Time Life Books, Amsterdam
Mapping Time Mapping Time; The Calendar and its History Richards, E.G.
Measure The Measure of All Things Alder; Ken
Mvol?No? Monthly Notes of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (MNASSA)
SciAm Scientific American
Space Space Moore; Patrick.
Warner – Astr Astronomers at he Royal Observatory – Cape of Good Hope Warner; Brian.