World Whale Day

 Events
Feb 162025
 

Southern Right Whale

World Whale Day is today. Celebrated on the third Sunday in February, the day was was started by a group in 1980 in Maui, Hawaii. They were concerned about the humpback whale, which is found in the waters off the island. Gregg Kauffman founded the Pacific Whale Foundation because he was concerned about the decline in whale populations. Whales are now protected by international laws. Prior to such laws whales were hunted. Even today bycatch and pollution threaten whale populations. Whales are the largest mammals. Two types of whale exist: baleen whales and toothed whales. Children could learn more at: Whales.

 

Lithuania Celebrates Independence Day of 1918

 Events
Feb 162025
 
Lithuania

Flag of Lithuania

Lithuania celebrates Independence Day of 1918. It became free of Russian and German rule. People celebrate this day even though Lithuania was annexed into the Soviet Union in 1940. In 1991 Lithuania became the first nation to break away from the Soviet Union. According to the CIA World Factbook, Lithuania is slightly larger than West Virginia and hosts a population of about 2.7 million people. It borders the Baltic Sea, and Vilnius is the capital. A member of the European Union, Lithuania depends on agricultural products, including grains, potatoes, and flax. Children could learn more at: Lithuania.

South Pole Telescope Saw First Light in 2007

 Events
Feb 162025
 

South Pole Telescope saw first light in 2007. Scientists using the ten-foot diameter radio telescope are seeking data regarding the history of the universe, dark energy, and galaxy clusters. The radio telescope is located on a South Pole plateau two miles above sea level. The air there is so dry that the area is desert-like. Older children can learn more at an excellent site: South Pole Telescope.

Birthdays

 Birthdays
Feb 162025
 

Robert Joseph Flaherty (born Iron Mountain, Michigan, 1884; died Dummerston, Vermont, July 23, 1951) is known as the “Father of Documentary Motion Pictures.” He started out making silent films, including the 1922 Nanook of the North. Later he made sound films. The Land demonstrated erosion effects.

Carol Gorman (born Iowa City, Iowa, 1952) has written at least 25 books for children. Her books include The Miraculous Makeover of Lizard Flanagan and Chelsea and the Green-Haired Kid.